Halogenated diphenyether-containing compositions and control of pests therewith

ABSTRACT

HALOGENATED 2-HYDROXY OR 2-ACYLOXY-DIPHENYLETHER-CONTAINING COMPOSITIONS WHICH INHIBIT MICROBIAL GROWTH AND ARE SUITABLE FOR DISINFECTION AND THE LIKE PURPOSES, AND ESPECIALLY THOSE CONTAINING 2-HYDROXY-DIPHENYLETHERS OR 2-ACRYLOXY-DIPHENYLETHERS SUBSTITUTED AT LEAST IN 4-POSITION AND PREFERABLY IN 4- AND 4&#39;&#39;-POSITION BY HALOGEN, WHICH ARE PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR THE PROTECTION OF CELLULOSIC MATERIALS AGAINST BACTERIA AND FUNGI, FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS OF THE INTESTINAL SYSTEM AND THE URINAL TRACT OF WARM-BLOODED ANIMALS CAUSED BY PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS, AND THE PROTECTION OF POLYAMIDE FIBER MATERIALS AGAINST ATTACK BY CERTAIN INSECTS; FURTHERMORE PROCESSES OF USING THE AFORESAID COMPOSITIONS FOR THE DESRIBED PURPOSES.

United States Patent Oflice 3,629,477 Patented Dec. 21, 1971 3,629,477 HALOGENATED DIPHENYETHER-CONTAIN- ING COMPOSITIONS AND CONTROL OF PESTS THEREWITH Ernst Model, Basel, and Jakob Bindler, Riehen, Switzerland, assignors to Geigy Chemical Corporation, Ardsley, N.Y.

No Drawing. Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 570,742, Aug. 8, 1966, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 345,080, Feb. 17, 1964. This application Apr. 3, 1967, Ser. No. 627,603

Int. Cl. A01n 9/24; A61k 27/00 US. Cl. 424340 16 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Halogenated Z-hydroxy or 2-acyloxy-diphenylether-containing compositions which inhibit microbial growth and are suitable for disinfection and the like purposes, and especially those containing 2-hydroxy-diphenylethers or 2-acyloxy-diphenylethers substituted at least in 4-position and preferably in 4- and 4'-positior1 by halogen, which are particularly suitable for the protection of cellulosic materials against bacteria and fungi, for the treatment of infections of the intestinal system and the urinal tract of warm-blooded animals caused by pathogenic microorganisms, and the protection of polyamide fiber materials against attack by certain insects; furthermore processes of using the aforesaid compositions for the described purposes.

This application is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Ser. No. 570,742, filed Aug. 8, 1966, now US. Pat. 3,506,720, which is in turn a continuationin-part of our application Ser. No. 345,080, filed Feb. 17, 1964, now abandoned.

The present invention concerns a process for the combatting and control of microorganisms and for the protection of organic materials and articles from microorganisms particularly from bacteria and especially from infestation with bacteria and growth of bacteria thereon; it specially concerns, in a first aspect, a process for the disinfection of personal and household linen, and for the protection of such materials from growth of microorganisms thereon. The invention also concerns bactericidal compositions, preferably washing agents and liquors.

The new process according to the first aspect of the invention, of controlling microorganisms and, particularly, bacteria, and more especially of disinfecting a substrate normally permitting undesirable growth of bacteria thereon and/or protecting said substrate against such growth, consists essentially of applying to said substrate a disinfecting and bacterial growth-inhibiting amount of a halogen-o-hydroxy-diphenyl ether or Oacyl derivative thereof, falling under the formula as the active ingredient against microorganisms. In this Formula I,

each Hal represents identical or different halogen atoms,

Z represents hydrogen or an acyl group, and

w represents a positive whole number ranging from 1 to 5,

and each of the benzene rings, but preferably ring A can also contain one or several lower alkyl groups which may be halogenated, a lower alkoxy group, the allyl group, the cyano group, the amino group or lower alkanoyl group.

Preferably the methyl or methoxy group are meant by lower alkyl and lower alkoxy groups, respectively, as substituents in the benzene rings; as lower halogenated alkyl group the trifluoromethyl group is preferred.

A biocidal action similar to that of the halogen-o-hydroxy-diphenyl ethers of Formula I is also attained using the O-acyl derivatives thereof which partially or completely hydrolize under the conditions for use in practice. The esters of acetic acid, chloroacetic acid, methyl or dimethyl carbamic acid, benzoic acid, chlorobenzoic acid, methylsulfonic acid and chloromethylsulfonic acid are particularly suitable.

Halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers or the Oacyl derivatives thereof usable according to the invention, which fall under Formula I and have particularly good activity against microorganisms are those of the following classes:

(a) A compound of the formula wherein Hal represents a halogen atom, I

m is an integer ranging from 0 to 4,

n is one of the integers 0 to 2, and the sum of m-l-n is not more than 4; preferably n is one;

X is a halogen atom, preferably chlorine or bromine,

each Y, independently of the other, represents hydrogen, alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, alkoxy of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, alkanoyl of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, OF CN or NH but preferably not more than one Y is an alkoxy, alkanoyl or NH group;

Z represents hydroalkyl-carbonyl of from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl-carbonyl of from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, benzoyl, chloro-benzoyl, alkyl-benzoyl wherein alkyl is from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, N-alkyl-carbamyl and N,N-dialkyl-carbamyl, each of Whose alkyl group is of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, alkoxy-carbonyl of a total of from 2 to 19 carbon atoms, alkyl-sulfonyl of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, bromoand chloro-alkyl-sulfonyl wherein each alkyl is of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and chloroand bromo-alkyl-carbonyl wherein alkyl is of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, piperidino-carbonyl, and morpholino-carbonyl; but Z has preferably the meaning of Z as defined following Formula IB, below, and

"alkanoyl in the definition of Y haping preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms;

preferred compounds in this subclass of compounds falling under Formula IA, being those of the formula a Hal-Q x wherein X is a member selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine,

Hal is a halogen atom,

X is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine and cyano,

X is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, alkyl of from 1 t0 3 carbon atoms,

Z has the same meaning as in Formula IA, but is preferably a member selected from the group designated hereinafter as Z which consists of hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl of a total of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, benzoyl, N-alkyl-carbamyl and N,N-di-alkyl-carbamyl, each of whose alkyl groups is of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and alkoXy-carbonyl of a total of from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and

p is one of the integers l and 2;

and next preferred in the subclass of Formula IA being compounds of the formula wherein each of Hal, X Y, Z and n have the same meanings as in Formula IA, and v represents 1, 2 or 3, the sum of n and v being at most 3.

(b) A compound of the formula 4 and, preferably those falling under Formula IC which are of the formula wherein Z, Hal and m and n have the above-given meanings, the

sum of m+n in Formula IC not exceeding 4,

X is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and chlorine, and

Y is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and cyano;

alkyl is an alkyl radical of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms (Preferably, Y in Formula IA has the same meaning as Y in Formula IC).

(When, in this specification and the appended claims, the symbol H is linked to a specific position of a benzene nucleus, as in the above and in some subsequent formulas, this means that that position is only occupied by hydrogen and not by any other substituent of that ring encompassed by the respective formula.)

(c) A compound of the formula wherein Z, Hal and n have the same meanings as in Formula IA,

each of Y Y and Y is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and cyano, at least one of Y and Y being preferably either alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms or cyano;

q is an integer ranging from 2 to 3; and the sum of n-l-q is not more than 3; (d) A compound of the formula Hal 4 wherein Z, Hal, m, n, X and Y have the meanings given hereinbefore, the sum of m-i-n is not greater than 4,

Y is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and allyl, and

Y is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, at least one of Y and Y being one of the aforesaid members other than hydrogen.

By halogen as used in this specification and in the appended claims, there are meant fluorine, bromine, iodine, and preferably, chlorine.

Among these preferred halogen-o-oxydiphenyl ethers of the Formulas IA to IF, two sub-groups can be distinguished which have particularly good bactericidal activity in washing agents and which disinfect washed goods and protect them against growth of microorganisms there- 5 on: i.e. o-oxyphenyl ethers the benzene ring B of which is unhalogenated, of the formula q is one of the integers 2 and 3, and the o-oxydiphenyl ethers halogenated in benzene ring B in the p-position to the ether bond, of the formula X2. H X1! Hal (III) wherein Hal and Z have the above-given meanings and X and X both represent chlorine; or

X represents bromine and X represents hydrogen, and m represents a positive integer of 0 to 3.

In the compounds of Formulas II and III, the benzene ring A can also contain the methyl, the trifluoromethyl or the methoxy group.

The total number of halogen atoms in the molecule of these compounds is at most 5; when the benzene rings, preferably ring B, further contain lower alkyl groups which may be halogenated, the light-fastness of the compounds of Formula HI is generally enhanced. Two alkyl groups in ring B are then preferred.

Compositions according to the invention which contain a compound falling under Formula I and in particular Formulas IA to IF as active ingredient, in a bacterial growth-inhibiting amount, are distinguished by slight toxicity for warm blooded animals and, in conventionally used concentrations, do not irritate the skin. They are bactericidally effective both against gram positive as well as gram negative bacteria, for example, against Bacillus mesientericus, Sarcina spec. and particularly against forms of Coli such as against Escherichia coli 96 and other gram negative organisms. A further advantage of the halogen-o-oxydiphenyl ethers used according to the invention is their colorlessness or slight inherent color. This property enables them to be used for many purposes for which it is not possible to use strongly colored known bactericidal compounds.

The above-described compounds used under the first aspect according to the invention are not soluble in water but some are soluble in dilute sodium and potassium hydroxide solutions and/ or in all practical organic solvents. Because of this solubility, they can be used in very many ways for the combatting of microorganisms, particularly of bacteria, and for the protection of organic materials and objects against growth of and from attack by microorganisms thereon.

They can thus be incorporated directly into the material to be protected, for example in material having a synthetic resin basis, as polyamides and polyvinylchloride in paper treatment liquors, in printing thickeners made from starch or cellulose derivatives, in lacquers and paints which contain, e.g. casein, in cellulose, in viscose spinning mass, in paper, in animal mucilages or oils, in permanent dressings having a basis of polyvinyl alcohols, in cosmetic articles such as in soaps, e.g. in hand or toilet soap, in ointments or powders. They can also be added to preparations of inorganic or organic pigments for the painting industry, plasticisers, etc.

Moreover, the above-described compounds of Formula I, and especially IA to IF can be used in the form of their organic solutions, e.g. as so-called spray or as dry cleaners or for the impregnation of wood. As organic solvents, preferably those not miscible with water are used, in particular, petroleum fractions, but also water miscible solvents can be used such as low alcohols, e.g. methanol or ethanol or ethylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether.

In addition, they can be used with wetting or dispersing agents in the form of their aqueous dispersions, e.g. for the protection of substances which tend to rot, such as for the protection of leather, paper etc.

Solutions or dispersions of active ingredient which can be used for the protection of these materials advantageously have a content of active ingredient of at least 0.001 g./liter.

A preferred use for the diphenyl ether derivatives consists in disinfecting goods which are washed, and protecting such goods from attack by microorganisms. For this purpose, either washing or rinsing liquors are used which contain the diphenyl ethers advantageously in concentrations of about 1 to 200 parts per million calculated on the liquor.

As Wash-active substances, the washing liquors contain, for example, anion active compounds such as aromatic sulfonic acids substituted by lipophilic groups or their water soluble salts such as the sodium salt of dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, or water soluble salts of sulfuric acid monoesters of higher molecular alcohols or their polyglycol ethers, e.g. soluble salts of dodecyl alcohol sulfate, or of dodecyl alcohol polyglycol ether sulfate, or alkali metal salts or higher fatty acids (soaps), also non-ionogenic Wash-active substances such as polyglycol ethers of higher fatty alcohols, polyglycol ethers of higher molecular alkylated phenols as well as so-called amphoteric wash-active substances such as reaction products of the alkali metal salts of low halogen fatty acids and polyalkylene polyamines containing lipophilic radicals, e.g. lauryl diethylenetriamine. In addition the liquor can also contain the usual auxiliaries such as water soluble perborates, polyphosphates, carbonates, silicates, optical brightening agents, plasticisers, salts having an acid reaction such as ammonium or Zinc silicofluoride or certain organic acids such as oxalic acid, also dressings such as, e.g. those having a basis of synthetic resin or starch.

Chiefly, organic fibers are meant by goods which can be disinfected with the washing or rinsing liquors according to the invention, containing the above-described active compounds, namely those of natural origin such as cellulosic fibers, e.g. cotton, or polypeptide fibers, e.g. wool or silk, as well as fibers of synthetic origin such as polyamide polyacrylonitrile or polyester fibers or mixtures of the aforesaid fibers.

In the concentrations mentioned above, the diphenyl ether derivatives usable according to the invention disinfect the wash liquor as well as the goods to be washed therein substantially free from coli and other bacteria, and these substrates remain free from these bacteria for a long time even after exposure to light of the active ingredient or of the goods treated therewith. They differ from other bactericidally active compounds particularly in their stability to light on the goods treated therewith.

In a second aspect the invention concerns the protection of cellulosic materials such as wood and plants from the attack of microorganisms, among them rot-causing fungi and pathogenic fungi, including phytopathogenic fungi.

Such protection comprises the application to the surface of such materials, or incorporation thereinto, of a compound of the Formula IB, and preferably of compounds of the formula wherein X represents chlorine or bromine, and X X X Z and p have the same meanings as in Formula IE, but X is preferably chlorine or bromine,

in an amount sufficient to inhibit the growth of such microorganisms as rotcausing and pathogenic fungi.

According to a third aspect, this invention concerns more particularly a process for combatting pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal system and the urinal tract of Warm-blooded animals, and, more particularly, in all mammals, consisting essentially of administering to a warm-blooded animal suffering from an attack of pathogenic bacteria in one of the said organs a bacterial growthinhibiting amount of a compound of Formula IE, but particularly of Formula IV, alone or in combination with an inert carrier, and especially in mixture with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor of the types de scribed in detail further below.

The compounds of Formula IV thus have antimicrobial properties of surprising intensity and variety while, at the same time, their toxicity is relatively slight. Because of these properties as well as their stability, their substantially colorlessness and absence of irritation to the skin and mucous membranes, they can be used as antimicrobial active substances for the most various purposes, for example, for the protection of organic materials and objects from microorganisms, particularly from attack by bacteria, and also as disinfectant additives in soaps and washing agents as well as in ointments for the skin and other preparations for personal hygiene. Their use, as active ingredients, is particularly valuable for the healing of diseased conditions of the intestinal system and urinal tract of warm blooded animals as can be seen from their excellent activity against the pathogenic fungi and bacteria given below, their elimination from the body in substantially unchanged, active form and their relatively slight toxicity.

In this connection, it is particularly unexpected that the esterified derivatives of Formula IV are of similar and in certain cases even of greater antibacterial activity than the free hydroxyl-diphenyl ethers of Formula IV even when the esterified compounds of Formula IV are applied in a substantially neutral or even a slightly acid medium, as is the case in the stomach of warm-blooded animals, and normally also in their urinary tract.

The esterified compounds of Formula IV are especially distinguished from those of Formula IV in which Z is hydrogen by an unexpected, prolonged activity, in particular against Escherichia coli.

The compounds of Formula IV have an excellent growth-inhibiting action, for example, on the following gram positive and gram negative bacteria: Sralzpylococcus aureus Smith, Staphylococcus lactis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Coryuebacteriurn diplzzheriae, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium welchii, Clostridium tetani, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Alcaligcnes faccalis, Salmonella pullorum, Salmonella typlii, Salmonella paratyphi A and B, Salmonella typhi murium, Salmonella enteritidis, Slzigella clysenteriae, Shigella flexueri, Brucella abortus, Broteus mirabilis, Achromobacter spec., Serratia marcesceus, Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis;

They also inhibit the growth of the following pathogenic fungi:

Triclzop/zytou mcutugrophytcs, Triclzophytou rubrum,

T richophyton tonsurans var. sabouranali, T richophyton sclziileini, T riclzophyton quinckeanum, Microsporon canis, Microsporon gypseum, Blastomyces dermatidis, Sporotricham schelzckii, Epidermophyion floccosum, Alternaria tenuis, Botrytis cclierea.

The compounds of Formula IV are also useful as active ingredients for internal use, especially for combat'ting pathogenic fungi in the intestines and urinary tract. Suitable for the latter type of use are tablets for the disinfection of the mouth and throat as well as tablets and sugar coated tablets (drages) for the disinfection of the intestinal system and urinal tract.

Moreover, these compounds are also useful as active ingredients for distinfectants for the hands, cosmetics, ointments for wounds, eye ointments and other agents for external use.

A preferred sub-group of the halogen-o-oxydiphenyl ethers of Formula IV corresponds to the formula wherein X and Z have the same meanings as in Formula IV, X represents chlorine or bromine, and X represents hydrogen or chlorine.

This sub-group is surprisingly superior in its bacteriostatic activity on highly resistant bacteria strains of Staphylococcus aureus. It also shows outstanding activity against such well-known phytopathogenic fungi as Alternaria tenuis and Botryzis cinerea, at concentrations in which the compounds thereof do not display any significant phytotoxicity.

Moreover, this sub-group has an unexpected effect on certain destructive insects, especially on the larvae of certain beetles, among them the black carpet beetle and the woolly bear (Attagenus and Anthrenus species) which prevents them, in a manner at present not fully understood, from exercising their destructive activities on such textile materials as carpets, clothes and the like, made wholly or in part from natural polyamide fibers, especially wool.

Therefore, the invention concerns in a fourth aspect, the protection of materials, especially of natural polyamide such as wool, from the attack of destructive insects, especially against the larvae of the aforesaid beetles.

This preferred sub-group is distinguished by the above described, unexpected variety of specific activities from known hydroxy-diphenyl ethers which fail in most or all of them.

The diphenyl ethers usable according to the invention are very active against the bacterial flora causing perspiration odours and, therefore, because of their slight toxicity, are suitable as deodorants for linen and for incorporation into cleansing agents such as soaps or shampoos or as additives for cosmetics such as ointments or creams.

Under the conditions prevailing in the use of the compounds according to the invention in washing agents and disinfectants, for external application, which require a distinct alkaline medium and usually heating up to C., the esterified compounds falling under the above formulas hydrolyze under formation of the corresponding free Z-hydrOXy-diphenyl-ether derivatives which then show the biocidal activity described hereinbefore. Preferred esters are those of Formulas IA to V in which Z is one of the acyl radicals of acetic acid, propionic acid, chloroacetic acid, chloropropionic acid, methyl or dimethyl carbamic acid, benzoic acid, chlorobenzoio acid, methylsulfonic acid, and chloromethylsulfonic acid.

The diphenyl ethers usable according to the invention can also be used in combination with other antimicrobially active substances, for example, they can be used with halogenated salicylic acid alkyl amides and anilides, with halogenated diphenyl ureas, with halogenated benzoxazoles or benzoxazolones, with polychlorohydroxydiphenyl methanes, with halogen-dihydroxydiphenyl sulphides, with bactericidal 2-iminoimidazolidines or tetrahydropyrimidines or with biocidal quaternary compounds or with certain dithiocarbamic acid derivatives such as tetramethyl thiuram disulphide.

In addition, with some of the combinations mentioned of diphenyl ethers used according to the invention and other antimicrobial substances, there is a broadening of the range of action and/or a synergistic effect. For example, the action of 4,4 dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether combined with halogenated hydroxydiphenyl methanes, halogenated salicylic acid anilides and/or with halogenated diphenyl ureas, on ubiquitous bacilli such as, e.g. Bacillus mesentericus and Sarcina uriae is clearly improved. The same is also true, e.g. of combinations of 4,2,4' trichloro-2hydroxydiphenyl ether and halogenated ureas or halogenated salicylic acid anilides.

Also, for example, a combination of 4,4-dichloro-2- hydroxy-diphenyl ether and 3,4,3',4' tetrachloro 2,2- dihydroxy-diphenyl methane has a synergistic effect on Pseudomonas pyocyanea or a combination of 4,4 dichloro 2 hydroxy-diphenylether and 3,5,6,3',5',6 hexachloro 2,2 dihydroxy-diphenyl methane has a synergistic effect e.g. on Pseudomonas pyocyanea, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The compounds of the foregoing formulas possessing a free hydroxyl group are obtained from known starting materials by various known processes.

A first process consists in boilng the diazonium compound of the corresponding 2-amino-halogen diphenyl ether, and thereby replacing the diazo group by a hydroxyl group.

Suitable Z-amino-halogen diphenyl ethers are, e.g.: 2-amino-2,4,5' trichloro-, 2-amino-4,4-dichloro-, 2- amino-4-chloro-4 bromo-, 2 amino 4 bromo-4- chloro-, 2 amino-4-chloro-4-fiuoro-, 2-amino 4,34- trichloro-, 2-amino-4,2',4' trichloro-, 2-amino-4,2',4, 5-tetrachloro-, 2 amino-4,4'-dichloro-3'-methylor 2- amino-4,4-dichloro-3'-trifiuoromethyl-diphenyl ether.

The halogen-o-aminodiphenyl ethers used in this process as starting materials can be produced, for example, by condensation of the corresponding 1 nitro-2-fiuoro-, l-nitro-Z-chloroor 1 nitro 2-bromobenzenes with phenols or phenolates and reduction of the halogen-onitrodiphenyl ether formed.

The 2-amino-halogen diphenyl ethers are diazotized and the 2-diazo compounds are then hydrolized by boiling with water or with an aqueous acid, especially sulfuric acid, under conditions known per se.

For example, the diazonium sulfate prepared by means of nitrosyl sulfuric acid or by means of sodium nitrite in sulfuric acid is used as diazonium salt and it is boiled in about 50-80% sulfuric acid at the boiling temperature thereof in the presence of a higher boiling inert organic solvent such as, e.g. o-dichlorobenzene, which takes up the reaction product.

The known Z-amino-halogen-diphenyl ethers usable as starting materials in the above first process, are made from the corresponding halogen-substituted 2 nitrodiphenyl ethers by reduction, e.g. by means of stannous chloride and hydrochloric acid, zinc dust and acetic acid, or iron and hydrochloric acid, or by catalytic hydrogenation. Some of the substituted 2-nitro-diphenyl ethers are known; others can be produced by reaction of correspondingly substituted 2-halogeno-l-nitrobenzenes with alkali metal salts of phenol, 4-halogenoor 2,4-dihalogeno-phenols.

A second production process consists in condensing a 1-nitro-2-fluoro-, -chloroor -bromo-benbene or a 1- nitro-4-fluoro-, -chloroor -bromo-benzene which may contain further halogen atoms with a 1 hydroxy-2- alkoxybenzene which may contain halogen, the condensation being performed in the presence of an acid binding agent, to form the corresponding o-nitro-o-alkoxydiphenyl ethers or p-nitro-o'-alkoxydiphenyl ethers and, in any order desired, reducing the nitro group to the amino group, diazotising the latter replacing the diazo group by hydrogen or halogen and then dealkylating the alkoxy group, care being taken by the choice of starting materials or the performance of the operations, that the o-hydroxydiphenyl ether formed contains at least one halogen atom in ring A or two halogen in ring B of the final compound.

Examples of suitable 1 nitro 2-fluoro-, -chloroor -br0mo-benzene compounds are 1 nitro 2 fluoro-, -chloroor -bromo-benzene, 1-nitro-2,3- or 2,5-dichloroor -2,3- or -2,5-dibromo-benzene or 1 nitro-Z-bromo-S- chlorobenzene; examples of suitable 1-nitro-4-chloroor -bromo-benezne compounds are 1 nitro 4-chloroor -bromo-benzene or 1 nitro-3,4 dichloroor 3,4-dibromo-benzene.

1-hydroxy 2 alkoxybenzene compounds suitable for condensation therewith are, e.g. 1-hydroxy-2-methoxyor -2 ethoxy-benzene, 1 hydroxy 2-methoxyor -2- ethoxy-4-chlorobenzene, 1 hydroxy-2-methoxyor -2- ethoxy-4-bromo-benzene, l-hydroxy 2-methoxy-4,5-dichloro-benzene or 1 hydroxy-Z-methoxy-trichlorobenzene.

In this process the condensation is performed by methods known per se. Sodium or potassium hydroxide solution is used, for example, as acid binding agent. The dealkylation of the alkoxy group, as well as the reduction of the o-nitroor p-nitrogroup to the amino group and, if desired, the diazotation of the latter and replacement of the diazo group by halogen, hydrogen or a cyano group are also performed by known methods.

More in particular the dealkylation can be performed by the methods known for the cleavage of aryl-alkyl ethers, e.g. by treatment with aluminum chloride in an inert solvent, e.g. in benzene at the boiling temperature thereof, also by heating with concentrated aqueous hydrobromic acid, with hydrogen bromide in glacial acetic acid or a mixture of hydrobromic acid and acetic acid.

More in detail, reaction of alkali metal salts of 2- alkoxy-4-halogen phenols, in particular 4-chloroor 4- bromo guaiacol, with 4-halogen-l-nitrobenzenes, 3,4-dihalogen-l-nitrobenzenes, 2,5-dihalogen-l-nitrobenzenes or 2,3,S-trihalogen-l-nitrobenzenes yields 2-alkoxy-4-halogen-4'-nitro-diphenyl ethers, 2-alkoxy-4,2'-dihalogen-4- nitrodiphenyl ethers, 2-alkoxy-4,4'-dihalogen-2-nitrodiphenyl ethers or 2-alkoxy-2,4,4-trihalogen-6-nitrodiphenyl ethers, respectively, which are then converted in a conventional way by catalytic hydrogenation or by reduction with stannous chloride and hydrochloric acid, or by hydrogen in statu nascendi, from zinc dust and acetic acid or from iron and hydrochloric acid, to the corresponding amino compounds.

Amino compounds having an amino group in the 4'- position and, if desired, also those having an amino group in the 2'-position are converted to the corresponding diazonium chlorides and these chlorides are treated according to Sandmeyer with cuprous chloride or cuprous bromide, in order to replace the diazonium chloride group by chlorine or bromine. 0n the other hand, amino compounds having the amino group in the 2- or 4'-position, are converted to the corresponding diazonium salts, in particular into the hydrochlorides or sulfates, and these are warmed with ethanol whereby a hydrogen atom takes the place of the intermediary diazonium group.

In a third process, a l-alkoxy-Z-chlorobenzene or 1- alkoxy-Z-bromobenzene which .may contain further halogen is condensed with the alkali metal salt of a l-hydroxybenzene which may contain halogen, the condensation being performed in the presence of copper (I) salts, to form the corresponding o-alkoxydiphenyl ether and then I l the alkoxy group is converted into the hydroxyl group. In the condensation, the components are so chosen that the end product contains at least one halogen atom per molecule.

l-methoxy-Z-bromobenzene is mentioned as an example of a 1-alkoxy-2-bromo-benzene, and 1-hydroxy-3,4-dichlorobenzene is mentioned as a l-hydroxybenzene.

A fourth process consists of halogenating o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers, preferably elementary chlorine, bromine or SO Cl being used as halogenating agent.

Halogen-o-hydroxyphenyl ethers usable according to the invention are obtained by a fifth process by condensation of 2-chlorobenzoic acids which may contain further halogen, particularly condensation of 2,5-dichlorobenzoic acid, with any halogenated 1-hydroxy-2-alkoxybenzenes followed by decarboxylation and dealkylation of the alkoxy group.

Compounds of the Formulas IA to IF having free hydroxyl groups are obtained by a further process by producing from a halogenated Z-aminoor 4-amino-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether in a known manner, a diazonium salt and converting the latter into the corresponding compound containing hydrogen instead of the original amino group. This modification can be effected with the usual agents, e.g. by boiling in a low alkanol, particularly ethanol, or in dilute hypophosphoric acid.

The halogenated 2-aminoor 4-amino-2-hydroxy diphenyl ethers used herein are obtained, for example, by first reducing the corresponding 2-alkoxy diphenyl ethers substituted by halogen and a nitro group to the corresponding amino analog and then dealkylating the resulting intermediate analogously, eg with aqueous 50% hydrobromic acid.

Compounds falling under Formulas IA to IF which possess an iodine atom in the benzene ring A are produced from 2arninoor 4'-amino-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ethers by diazotation of the amino group in a conventional manner and replacement of the diazonium group by a known reaction With an aqueous iodine potassium iodide solution.

The acyl derivatives used in the process according to the invention, which fall under the respective Formulas IA-IF, are obtained from the correspondingly substituted hydroxy-diphenyl ethers by reaction, in the absence or presence, dependent on the respective acid, of an acid binding agent, with the corresponding acyl halides or anhydrides.

Halogenated 4'-acetyl-Z-hydroxy-diphenylethers are obtained for example by an condensation of an alkali metal salt of halogenated Z-methoxy-l-hydroxy-benzene with 4- chloroacetophenone and dealkylation as described above. H

In general, the diphenyl ethers usable according to the invention are colorless to weakly yellowish colored solid bodies or liquids which can be purified either by distillation under reduced pressure or by recrystallisation.

The following non-limitative examples further illustrate the above-described aspects of the invention. The temperatures are given in degrees centrigrade. Percentages are by weight unless expressly stated otherwise.

EXAMPLE 1 100 grams (g.) of p-di-chlorobenzene was added within minutes to 500 g. of nitric acid (0. 1.5). After a further 15 minutes, the solution was poured into excess of cold water, and the precipitated solid air-dried. The whole was introduced into a solution obtained by adding 88 g. of p-chlorophenol to 37 g. of potassium hydroxide which had previously been heated to a clear melt in presence of 12 ml. of Water. The mixture was heated in a bath kept at 160l70 for 2 hours, cooled, and shaken with dilute alkali until the precipitated material (162 g.) was crystalline. After one crystallisation from alcohol, the nitrocompound was pure. The nitro-compound was reduced at 100 by means of iron filing and excess of water in presence of a little acetic acid. The crude base, produced in 12 of the theoretical yield, crystallizes from light petroleum (B.P. 80-100") in colorless needles; M.P. 67 (Groves et al., J. Chem. Soc. (1929), p. 519).

200 g. of nitrosyl sulfuric acid are dissolved in 1560 g. of concentrated sulfuric acid and 381 g. of the above obtained 2-amino-4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ether are added within about 2 hours while stirring well at 40-45". The mixture is stirred for another 3 hours at room temperature. 450 ml. of water are then poured in while cooling with ice water whereupon the temperature rises to 70. 800 ml. of o-dichlorobenzene are added and then the mixture is boiled in an oil bath at 200 (final inner temperature 165) until no more diazo compound can be traced. The upper organic phase is then removed While still hot, 1000 ml. of water and ml. of 30% sodium hydroxide solution are added and the o-dichlorobenzene is distilled off with steam. The aqueous residue of this steam distillation contains the 2 hydroxy-4,'4-dichlorodiphenyl ether dissolved therein as the sodium salt as well as, as precipitate, 3,6-dichlorodibenzofuran which is formed as side product. After cooling, the aqueous residue is filtered off and washed. The filtrates are poured into ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid and the precipitate formed, after it has solidified, is filtered oif, Washed neutral and dried. The crude 2-hydroxy-4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ether obtained is purified by distillation in vacuo and the distillate is recrystallized from petroleum ether. B.P. 201206/1213 torr; M.P. 78-79 (white crystals).

Its formula is EXAMPLES 2 TO 38 By repeating Example 1, but using as reactants equimolar amounts of a l-chloro-Z-nitrobenzene or l-bromo- Z-nitrobenzene, substituted further as indicated in column II of Table A below, and of a phenol substituted as indicated in column III of the said Table A, there are obtained halogenated Z-hydroxy-diphenyl ethers useful as active ingredients in the processes according to the invention, which are substituted in benzene ring B, bearing the Z-hydroxy group of the resulting diphenyl ether, as indicated in column II, and which are substituted in the other benzene ring A of the diphenyl ether as given in column III of the aforesaid table.

zone (or 1-br0n1o21iitrobeuzene whereexpressly stated) and, corre- III Substitution of phenol and, c0 rrus- Example spondlngly, of ring B of resulting p0nd1ngly,ofringA N0. substance ofresultingsubstanee 2 2,4-di-ehl0r0.

4-methoicy. 3-trifluoron1etl1yl- 4-clil0ro-5-1uetl1yl 4-ehl oro-3,5-dimethyl D o. 4,6-dehl0r0 2,4-dibrorno. t-bromo 2,4 diehloro.

EII'ABLE A-Continued I II III Substitution of 1-chloro-2-uitro-benzene (or l-bromo-2-nitrobenzene Substitution of where expressly stated) and, correphenol and, corres- Example spondingly, of ring B of resulting pondingly, of ring A No. substance of resulting substance 27 4-ch1oro 2,5-dimethyl- 4-chl0ro.

28 "do 2,4-dimethyl.

28a. 2,4-dibromo.

Do. 3 -n'1ethy1-4 -chloro. 4-bromo 2 ,4 ialibromo.

2 ,3 ,4 -tribromo.

,4 -dibromo.

4 -iodo.

, 2 ,4-dibromo.

38i 4,5-dimethyl 6-methyl-2, 4-

dichloro.

38 4-methy1 3',5'-dimethyl-2,

4-dichloro.

38k do 2,4,5-tribromo.

381 do 2,4 -dibrom0.

l From 1, 4-dibromo. 1 Beilstein 6, II, p. 356.

EXAMPLE 39 (a) 223 g. of 50.3% potassium hydroxide solution are added dropwise within about 4 hours to the melt of 317 g. of 2-methoxy-4-chlorophenol l-chloro-guaiacol) and 384 g. of 2,5-dichloro-1-nitrobenzene. The addition is made while stirring well at 115-120, and water and slight amounts of organic substances are distilled oil? through a sloping condenser. The temperature is then kept at 1-45-150 for 12 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture is poured into a mixture of 3000 ml. of water and 140 ml. of 30% sodium hydroxide solution, the reaction product is taken up on ether, the ether solution is washed neutral and concentrated, finally in vacuo. 2-methoxy2'- nitro-4,4-dichlorodiphenyl ether remains as an oil and is further reacted in this state.

(b) 400 g. of iron powder, 1000 ml. of water and 20 ml. of 80% acetic acid are boiled for 15 minutes while stirring well. The crude 2-methoxy-2'-nitro-4,4-dichlorodiphenyl ether is then added Within about 2 hours through a heated dropping funnel and the reduction is completed by refluxing the reaction mixture for 12 hours. The mass is made phenolphthalein alkaline with sodium carbonate, 1000 ml. of chlorobenzene are added and it is again boiled.

The hot mixture is filtered through animal charcoal to remove iron slurry, the filtrate is made acid to Congo paper with hydrochloric acid and the chlorobenzene is distilled off with steam. The residue is neutralized with sodium hydroxide solution and, after it has solidified, the 2-methoxy-2'-amino-4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ether is milled with water, again filtered off, washed neutral and dried. This crude product, which melts at 73-76, is used without further purification in the next step of the reaction.

(c) 426 g. of finely milled 2-methoxy-2'-amino-4,4'- dichloro-diphenyl ether are added to a mixture of 1500 ml. of hydrobromic acid (48%) and 500 ml. of acetic acid and the whole is boiled for 48 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture is buttered with sodium hydroxide solution until it just turns Congo paper violet, and then it is made nutral to Congo paper with sodium acetate.

The mixture is filtered; the residue is Washed neutral and dissolved in 250 ml. of 30% sodium hydroxide solution and 2000 ml. of water, the solution is filtered and the reaction product is precipitated by the addition of hydrochloric acid until the reaction is Congo violet, filtered off, washed neutral and dried. After recrystallisation from ligroin with the addition of animal charcoal, the 2- hydroxy-2'amino-4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ether melts at 126-12 8.

It is useful as an intermediate in the production of 2-substituted compounds falling under Formula IV.

(d) 67.5 g. of finely milled 2-hyd'roxy-2'-amino-4,4'- dchlorodiphenyl ether are added while stirring well to a mixture of 65 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid and ml. of water. At 0-5", 55 g. of a 33% sodium nitrite solution are introduced under the surface of the liquid and the diazo suspension for-med is stirred for another 15 hours and then added to 2500 ml. of ethyl alcohol and 7 g. of copper powder. When no more diazo compound can be traced, the mixture is filtered. The alcohol is distilled oil from the filtrate, the residue is taken up in ether, the aqueous phase is separated, the ethereal phase is washed neutral and concentrated.

The crude product which remains is distilled under water jet vacuum and the distillate, which passes over at 197-204/12 torr and solidifies on cooling, is recrystallized from petroleum ether. The 2-hydroxy-4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ether obtained melts at 7879.

EXAMPLE 40 (a) 284 g. of finely ground 2-methoxy-2-amino-4,4- dichloro-diphenyl ether are added with vigorous stirring to 300 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid and, after the resulting mixture has been cooled to 0 to 5, 220 g. of aqueous 33%-sodium nitrite solution are introduced below the level of the liquid. The mixture is stirred overnight at 0-5 (b) 268 g. of copper sulfate are dissolved in 1 liter of water and heated to 70 to 75. At this temperature, a solution of 294 g. of potassium cyanide in 500 ml. of water is slowly added to the copper sulfate solution. While maintaining the temperature at 70 to 75, the diazoniurn salt suspension prepared as described in (a) above is added with stirring to the copper-sulfate/copper cyanide solution. After cooling, the reaction product is extracted with ether, washed with water to neutral, shaken out with aqueous 5 %-sodium hydroxide solution, washed again to neutral with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and the ether is then distilled off. The residue is fractionated by distillation in vacuum of 0.2 to 0.3 torr. The fraction boiling at -l96 consists of pure 2-methoxy-2-cyano-4,4'-dichloro-diphenyl ether.

(c) 44 g. of the last-mentioned product are mixed with 200 ml. of benzene and 60 g. of aluminum chloride, and the mixture is heated to boiling for 30 minutes. The reaction mass is then poured onto a mixture of ice and concentrated hydrochloric acid and the formed organic layer is separated after decomposition of the formed aluminum complex is complete. The organic layer is then shaken out with a mixture of 250 ml. of water and 15 ml. of aqueous 30%-sodium hydroxide solution, the resulting aqueous layer is separated and then acidfied with hydrochloric acid, and the precipitated 4,4'-dichloro-2-cyano- 2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether is separated by filtration, and dried. After recrystallization from ligroin, the pure product is obtained which has a melting point of 145-146".

Its formula is In a similar manner there are produced 15 (i) 2',4-dichloro-4'-cyano-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (ii) 4,5,4'-trichloro-2'-cyano-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether from the correspondingly substituted starting compounds and by following the procedure given in Examples 39 and 40.

EXAMPLE 41 (a) In a three-necked flask fitted with a stirrer and sloping condenser, 476 g. of 2-methoxy-4-chloro-phenol (4-chloroguaiacol) and 578 g. of 3,4-dichloro-1-nitrobenzene are melted in 400 ml. of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and, at about 120, 342 g. of 49.6% potassium hydroxide solution are added dropwise Within about 4 hours. The inner temperature is then kept at 140-150 for 12 hours whereupon water and slight amounts of organic substances are distilled off, some even at the beginning of the dropwise addition of the potassium hydroxide solution. The reaction mixture is poured into a mixture of water and sodium hydroxide solution, the precipitate is filtered off, dried and recrystallized from benzene. The 2-methoxy-4,2'-dichloro-4'-nitrodiphenyl ether obtained melts at 159-161 (b) 623 g. of 2-methoxy-4,2-dichlor-4-nitrodiphenyl ether in 400 ml. of dioxan are catalytically hydrognated in the presence of 250 g. of Raney nickel at room temperature and normal pressure. After the calculated amount of hydrogn has been taken up, the Raney nickel is filtered 01f and the 2-methoxy-4,2'-dichloro-4-aminodiphenyl ether is precipitated with water, filtered off, washed and dried, M.P. 100-102.

(c) 204 g. of well milled 2-methoxy-4,2'-dichloro-4- aminodiphenyl ether are added at room temperature while stirring well to a mixture of 254 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 1600 ml. of water. The suspension obtained is cooled to 5 and at this temperature, 225 g. of 33% sodium nitrite solution are added under the surface of the liquid. The mixture is stirred for 12 hours at 0-5.

A solution of 86 g. of sodium bisulfite and 60 g. of sodium hydroxide in 640 ml. of water are poured at 80 into a solution of 400 g. of crystallized copper sulfate and 106 g. of sodium chloride in 1280 ml. of water. The cuprous chloride formed is allowed to settle, the water on top of it is poured off and the precipitate is purified by decanting three times with water.

The residue is dissolved in 640 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid, heated to 65-70 and the diazo suspension obtained according to the first step under (c) in this example is added while stirring. After cooling, the aqueous phase is poured oif, the resinous organic phase is taken up in ether, the ether solution is extracted with sodium hydroxide solution, washed neutral, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue is distilled under water jet vacuum, 2-methoxy-4,2',4'-trichlorodiphenyl ether is obtained which has a B.P. at 210217.

(d) 243 g. of aluminum chloride are added to a solution of 187.5 g. of 2-methoxy-4,2,4-trichlorodiphenyl ether in 800 ml. of benzene and the reaction mixture is boiled for 30 minutes while stirring. After cooling, it is poured into a mixture of ice and hydrochloric acid, the benzene phase is separated and thoroughly shaken with water and sodium hydroxide solution. The mimosa alkaline aqueous phase is separated, the last traces of benzene are removed by bubbling steam through, then filtered and acidified with hydrochloric acid. The 2-hydroxy4,2,4- trichlorodiphenyl ether which precipitates is at first smeary but it solidifies after some time. It is filtered off, washed and dried. After recrystallization from petroleum ether it melts at 6061.

2-hydroxy-4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ether (M.P. 7879) (compare Example 1) is obtained in an analogous manner from the methoxy compound obtained at the end of step (c) of Example 43, infra.

16 (e) By using in step (a), supra, instead of 4-chloro-2- anethoxyphenol, 4-bromo-2-methoxyphenol, and otherwise following the procedure given in steps (a) to (d) 2-hydroxy-4-bromo-2,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ether is obtained as end product. B.P. 223-229.

EXAMPLE 42 Example 41 is repeated, but instead of 4-chloroguaiacol used as starting material for step (a), there is used 4,5- dichloro-guaiacol, and there is obtained, as end product of step (d), 4,5,2,4'-tetrachloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE 43 Steps (a), (b) and (c) of Example 41 are repeated but in lieu of 2,5-dichloro-1-nitro-benzene there is used an equimolar amount of l-nitro-4-chloro-benzene, thereby 4-chloro-4'-amino-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether is obtained as the end product of step (b).

(d) 59 g. of finely ground 4-chloro-4-amino-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether are mixed with stirring with 420 g. of aqueous 28.5 %-sulfuric acid, the mixture is cooled to 0 to 5 and, at this temperature, 55 g. of aqueous 33%- sodium nitrite solution are added. After 3 hours, the diazotation suspension thus obtained is poured into a solution of 68.5 g. of potassium iodide and 68.5 g. of iodine in ml. of water, the mixture is heated to and the dark-colored mass is clarified by addition of an aqueous 15 %-sodium bisulfite solution.

After cooling, the resulting solidified mass is separated from the mother liquor by filtration, the residue is dissolved in ether, shaken out with aqueous 15%-bisulfite solution, washed to neutral with water, and the residual ether is distilled off under vacuum. The residue is re-crystallized from ligroin to which animal charcoal has been added. A pure 4-chloro-4-iodo-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether is obtained which has a melting point of 86 to 88.

EXAMPLE 44 Repeating Example 43, but starting with an equimolar amount of 1-nitro-3,4-dichloro-benzene in lieu of 4-chloronitrobenzene used therein, there is obtained 3,4-dichloro- 4-iodo-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE 45 Example 39 is repeated by in lieu of 4-chloroguaiacol an equimolar amount of 4,5-dichloro-guaiacol, and proceding as described in steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) of the said example; 4,5,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether is obtained.

EXAMPLE 46 37.2 g. of Z-hydroxy-diphenyl ether are dissolved in 150 ml. of anhydrous chlorobenzene, and 28 g. of sulfuryl chloride are added drop by drop with stirring to this solution, the temperature of which is held at 45 In the course of six hours, the temperature of the resulting mixture is gradually raised to 130 and maintained at that level for one hour. Chlorobenzene is then distilled off and the residue is fractioned by distillation at 12 torr. The fraction boiling at 174179 consists of pure 2-hydroxy-5-chloro diphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE 47 74 g. of gaseous chlorine are introduced with stirring into a solution of g. of Z-methoxy-diphenyl ether in 500 ml. of glacial acetic acid, while heating the mixture to 50. The excess of acetic acid is then distilled 011 and the resulting 5,4-dichloro-2-methoxy-diphenyl ether is distilled twice under a vacuum of 0.4 torr at a temperature of 144147. The reaction obtained after the second distillation consists of pure 5,4-dichloro-2-methoxydiphenyl ether which is then converted to 5,4'-dichloro-2- hydroxy-diphenyl ether in the same manner as described under ((1) above in Example 41. Rercrystallization from petroleum ether yields pure ,4'-dichloro-2Fhydroxy-diphenyl ether, which has a melting point of 7879.

EXAMPLE 48 A mixture of 155 g. of 4-chloro-acetophenone and 159 g. of 2-methoxy-4-chlorophenol is charged into a 3-neck flask equipped with stirrer, dropping funnel, thermometer and descending condenser. 113 g. of aqueous 50%-potassinm hydroxide solution are added drop by drop to the mixture which was heated to 120. After water and a small amount of organic material have distilled oif, the temperature is raised to 150 and maintained at that level for 24 hours. The reaction mass is then poured onto a mixture of 1 liter of water and 100 ml. of aqueous 30%- sodium hydroxide solution and the mixture is extracted with ether. The ether phase is washed to neutral with water and then dried over an hydrous sodium sulfate, and the residue subjected to fractionated distillation at 0.07 torr. The fraction distilling at 172-180 is pure Z-methoxy-4-chloro-4'-acetyl-diphenyl ether. The latter compound is converted to 4-chloro-4-acetyl-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether in the same manner as described supra under step (d) of Example 41, the pure 2-hydroxy-4- chloro-4-acetyl-diphenyl ether, obtained by recrystallization from ligroin and has a melting point of l14115.

EXAMPLE 49 (a) 22 g. of caustic soda are dissolved in 50 ml. of water, 250 ml. of ethanol are added, and 127.5 g. of 4,4- dichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether and 67 g. of allyl bromide are added with stirring to the alcoholic solution. The reaction mixture is then heated to boiling for 1 8 hours and is then poured into water. The separating 4,4'-dichloro-2-allyloxy-diphenyl ether solidifies after a short time. It is separated from the mother liquor by filtration and recrystallized from methanol. The pure product has a melting point of 67-69.

'(b) 118 g. of the last-mentioned substance are heated to 230. Thereupon, an exothermic reaction ensues which causes the temperature of the reaction mass to rise to 248. After this reaction has terminated, the mass is further heated to 245-250 for about 5 minutes, it is then permitted to cool and then extracted with aqueous 5 sodium hydroxide solution. The aqueous extract is neu tralized by adding hydrochloric acid, whereupon 2-hydroxy-3 -allyl-4,4'-dichloro-diphenyl ether precipitates. The latter is extracted with ether, the ether phase is washed to neutral with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, ether is removed by distillation and the residual mass is finally distilled at a pressure of 0.1 torr. The reaction distilling at 158-164 consists of pure 2-hydroxy-3-allyl- 4,4'-dichloro-diphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE 50 127 g. of 4,4-dichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether are mixed with 60 g. of acetic anhydride, 2 drops of pyridine are added, and the mixture is then refluxed for 10 hours. Excessive acetic anhydride and the acetic acid formed are removed by distillation under vacuum (12 torr) and the residue is fractionated by distillation at 0.08 torr. The fraction boiling at 156-1 60 consists of pure 4,4'-dichloro- 2-acetoxy-diphenyl ether.

In a analogous manner, the Z-acetoxy-diphenyl ethers are produced from the corresponding 2-hyd'roxy-diphenyl ethers described in Examples 1 to 48, supra, with the exception of the 2-hydroxy-2'-amino derivatives.

EXAMPLE 51 By repeating Example 50, but using an equimolar amount of propionic acid anhydride or of crotonic acid anhydride or oleic acid anhydride, the corresponding 2-propionyloxy, crotonyloxy and oleoyloxy derivatives are obtained.

18 EXAMPLE 52 5 8 g. of 4,2,4'-trichloro-Z-hydroxy-diphenyl ether are mixed with 31 g. of benzoyl chloride, 2 drops of pyridine and 10 ml. of chlorobenzene are added and heated for 10 hours at 150 to 160. Chlorobenzene is then distilled off by heating to the boil, and the residue is then fractionated by distillation under vacuum of 0.05 torr. The reaction distilling at 211 to 216 consists of pure 4,2',4'- trichloro-Z-benzoyloxy-diphenyl ether.

By repeating Example 52, but using instead of benzoyl chloride equimolar amounts of the acid chloride given in column 2 of Table B below, and of the 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether the substituents of which are given in column 3 of said table, there are obtained the corresponding Z-acyloxy derivatives.

TABLE B Example N 0. Acid chloride 53 p-Chloro-benzoyl chloride 4-chloro-4-bromo-. 54 N-methyl-carbamyi chloride 4-chloro-4-fluoro-. 55 N,N-dimethyl-carbamylchl01ide 4-bromo-4-chloro-. 56 N-methyl-N-ethylcarbamyl- 4,24-trichloro-.

chloride. 57 N,N-dipropy1-carbamyl chloride 4,4-dichloro-3- methyl-. 58 Ethyl chloroformiate 4,4-dichloro-. 59 Chloroacetyl chloride 4,4-dichloro-2- 60 Caproyl chloride 61 Lauroyl chloride. 62 Stearoyl chloride 63- p-Methyl-benzoyl chlorido 4-ch1oro-4-bromo-. 64 Decyl chloroformiate 4-chloro-4-iodo-. 64a Bromoacetyl chloride 4,4dichloro-.

UH -CH2 64b CH2 N-COC1 Do.

GET-CH3 CH2OH:

64c 0\ NCOC1 Do.

GHz-OH;

64d p-Chloro-benzoyl chloride 4,6,4-trichloro-. 64e N-methyl-carbamyl chloride 4,5,2,4-tetrachloro-. 64f N,N-dimethyl-carbamyl chloride 6,3,4-trichloro-. 64g Nqfiethyl-N-ethyl-carbamyl chlo- 6,4-dichloro-.

11 8. 64h N,N-dipropyl-carbamyl chloride 4,5,4-trichloro-3- methyl.- 64i Ethyl ehloroiormiate 6,4-dichloro-2, 5-dimethyl-. 64j Chloroacetyl chloride. 6-ehloro-4-iodo-, 64k Caproyl chloride 6,2,3,4-tetrachloro-. 64l Lauroyl chloride 4,6,4-trichloro-. 64m- Stearoyl chloride 6,3,4-trichloro-; 64h p-Methyl-benzoyl chloride 4,5,4-tiirichloro-3- me 64o Decyl chloroiormiate 6 chloro-4-hr0mo-. 64p Propionic anhydride 4,5-dich1oro-2, 4'-

dibromo-. 6411 Acetic anhydride 4,6,4-trichloro-2,5-

dimethyl-. 64r fin 2',4-dich10ro-.

EXAMPLE 65 28 g. of the sodium salt of 4,4'-dichloro2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether (obtained by reacting of the diphenyl ether with sodium methylate in a conventional manner) are dissolved in ml. of anhydrous benzene, and a solution of 13 g. methylsulfonyl chloride in 25 m1. of anhydrous benzene is added drop by drop thereto, the resulting mixture is stirred for 5 hours at 20 to 25, precipitated sodium chloride is separated by filtration, benzene is distilled off and the residue is re-crystallized from ligroin. 20.5 g. of 4,4'-dichloro-2-methylsulfonyloxy-diphenyl ether are obtained; the substance melts at 113.5 to

By repeating Example 65, but using, instead of the starting sodium salt, an equimolar amount of the sodium salts of the Z-hydroxy-diphenyl ethers, the substituents of which are given in column 2 of Table III, and instead of methylsulfonyl chloride an equimolar amount of the acyl chlorides given in column 3 of Table C below, there are obtained the corresponding 2-acyloxy-diphenyl ethers.

TABLE Example 2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether No. substituted by- Aeyl chloride 4-chloro4iodo- Chloromethyl-sulfonyl chloride 4,2-d1ehloro Acrylyl chloride.

Acetyl chloride.

Lauroyl chloride. Acrylyl chloride. Benzoyl chloride. pChloro-benzoyl chloride.

N-methyl-earbamyl chloride.

Undecenoyl chloride. Oleoyl chloride. Butyl-sulfonyl chloride. Bromomethyl-sulfonyl chloride. 4,6,4-trichloro Chloromethyl-sulfonyl chloride. 6,3',4-trichlero Bromomethyl-sulfonyl chloride. 6-chloro-4-brom0 Ethylsulfonyl chloride. 4,5-dichloro-2 ,4-dibromo Acrylyl chloride.

Undecenoyl chloride. Acetyl chloride.

,2 ,4-tetrach1oro-. Oleoyl chloride. I 4,6,4-trichloro Butyl-sulionyl chloride. 2,4-dichloro-5'-mcthy Acetyl chloride.

. Propionyl chloride. Oleoyl chloride.

Crotonyl chloride. Undecenoyl chloride.

Stearoyl chloride. Lauroyl chloride. Acrylyl chloride. Bcnzoyl chloride. p-Chlorobenzoyl chloride.

N-methyl-carbamyl chloride.

4,5,4-trichloro-2-oyano N,N-dimethylcarbamyl chloride. 2,4-diehloro-5-methyl Ethyl chloroformiate.

. p-Mcthyl-benzoyl chloride. Deeyl chloroformiate. Bromoacetyl chloride. Acetyl chloride. Propionyl chloride.

4-chloroj y-bromoh-methyl.Q, Oleoyl chloride. 4."bi-om0-4-chloro-3,5-dimetl1y1. Crotonyl chloride. 4,4-dichloro-3 ,5-dimethyl Undeecnoyl chloride. 4,4-diehloro-2"cyano Stearoyl chloride.

4,4-dichloro -methyl N,N-dimethylcarbamyl chloride. 4,4'-dichloro-3,5-dimethy1 Ethyl chloroformiate. 4-chloro-4-bromo- S-dimethyl p-Methyl-benzoyl chloride. 4,4-dichloro-5-methyl Deeyl chloroformiate.

4,4-dichloro-3 5-dimethyl. Bromoacetyl chloride. do Trichloroacetyl chloride.

The following non-limitative examples further illustrate the processes of controlling pathogenic bacteria, according to the invention:

EXAMPLE I (A) Use in washing liquor One of the active ingredients given below which, to attain better dispersion has been dissolved in ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (in the ratio of 1 part of active ingredient to parts of solvent) is added in a concentration of mg./ liter to a washing liquor containing 1.5 g. per liter of sodium soap. Cotton carnbric is entered into this liquor (liquor ratio 1:20) and the bath is heated to 90. The textile material is treated for 20 minutes at this temperature, then rinsed twice for 3 minutes at with permutite water (liquor ratio 1:20), centrifuged and dried and ironed.

(B) Test of the action on bacteria Circular samples having 20 mm. diameter of the textile material washed and finished according to paragraph A are placed on agar dishes which have been inoculated either wth 24 hour old cultures of Staphylococcus aurezzs SG 511 or with Escherichia coli 96. The agar plates are incubated for 24 hours at 37.

(C) Result Neither Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 nor Escherichia coli 96 are found to be present in the circular samples treated with the following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers. An area free from bacteria is formed around the samples on the agar.

(D) Active substances The following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers are tested in this example:

By using, in this example, instead of 25 mg./liter active substance, mg./liter, and otherwise following the procedure given, similar results are obtained with the other following halogen-o-diphenyl others:

4,4-dichloro-3 '-trifiuoromethyl-Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether,

and 5,4-chloro-2'hydroxydiphenyl ether.

21 EXAMPLE 11 A solution of each of the following active substances in ethylene glycol monomethyl ether containing 25 rng./ liter (1 part of active substance in 20 parts of solvent) is added to equal parts of a washing liquor prepared for it containing 0.3 g. per liter of octylphenol polyglycol ether and 1.7 g. per liter of wash alkali (sodium polyphosphate). Cuttings of cotton cambric (liquor ratio 1:20) are Washed for 20 minutes at 90 in the liquors so prepared, then rinsed with permutite water in a liquor ratio of 1:20, centrifuged, dried and ironed.

The washed and finished textile cuttings are tested by the methods given in Example I, paragraph B. The circular cuttings washed in the presence of the following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers show no growth of Staphylococccus aureus SG 511 or Escherichia coli 96 and there is a clear area round the samples on the previously inoculated agar in which there is no bacterial growth.

In this example, the following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers were tested as protective agents.

2',4,5'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4-bromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4'-iodo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4-fiuoro-2-hydroxydipheny1 ether, 4,3',4-trichloro-'2-hydr0xydiphenyl ether, 4,2,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,2,4',5'-tetrachloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dichloro-3-methyl-Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-bromo-4'-chloro-Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-bromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-bromo-2',4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4-dibromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4-methoxy-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, and 2-hydroxy-2-amino-4,4'-dichloro-diphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE III One of the active substances given below which for better dispersion has been dissolved in ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (1 part of active substance in 20 parts of solvent) is added to equal parts of a washing liquor containing 1.5 g. per liter of sodium soap in a concentration of 100 rug/liter. Pieces of wool muslin are washed in this preparation at 40, liquor ratio 1:20. The textiles are left for 20 minutes at this temperature and then rinsed twice for 3 minutes at 40 with permutite water, liquor ratio 1:20, centrifuged and dried.

The resistance of the goods treated to bacteria is tested as described in Example I, paragraph B. The goods treated with the following active substances according to paragraph A remained free from Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and Escherichia coli 96 and an area free from bacteria was formed on the agar round the samples.

The following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers were tested:

3,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 2',4-difluoro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 2,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 2,4-dibromo Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 2',4,5-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4-'bromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4chloro-4'-iodo 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,5,2,4-tetrachloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,2'-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,3',4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,2,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,2', 4',5'-tetrachloro-2-hydroxyphenyl ether, 4,4-dichlro-3'-methy1 2-hydroxydipheny1 ether, 4-bromo-4-chloro2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-bromo-Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether,

22 4,5,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,5,2,4-tetrachl0ro-Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-bromo-2,4'-dichloro-2-hydr0xydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dibromo-Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4'-methoxy 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 5,4-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 5-chloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, and 4,4-dichloro-2'-cyano-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

Comparative tests made by repeating those of Example I (curative disinfection) and Example III (remanent bacteriostatic effect) with Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 as bacteria and using, firstly, the compounds according to the invention (A) 4,4-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether,

(B) 4,2,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, and secondly the known compounds (C) 3-chloro-4-hydroxy-diphenyl ether and (D) 4-hydroxy-diphenyl ether as antibacterial agents in concentrations of 8, 1 6, 32, 64 and mg. per liter of disinfectant liquid, lead to results as shown in the table below.

The symbols used therein mean:

0=no antibacterial effect x=weak antibacterial eflfect xx=satisfactory antibacterial effect xxx=good antibacterial effect (CD) =curative disinfection (RE) =residual bacteriostatic effect Instead of 25 mg./liter active substance, 10 0 rug/liter of each active substance are added to equal parts of the Washing liquor described in Example II. A cutting of wool muslin is washed in each of these preparations and the washing is finished as described in Example III.

The resistance of the treated goods to the growth of bacteria is tested as described in Example 1, paragraph B. It showed complete absence of Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and Escherichia coli 96 on the treated goods. The samples are clearly surrounded by a bacteria-free zone on the agar.

The following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers are tested:

2,4-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether,

'2,4',5'-trichloro Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether,

4-chloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4-dichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4'-bromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4-iodo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4' fluoro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,2'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,3,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,2,4-trichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-bromo-4-chloro=2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-bromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, and 4-chloro-4'-methoxy-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE V Fabric made of nylon staple fiber is washed with the liquors prepared according to Example III. The resist- 23 ance of the treated goods to the growth of bacteria is tested as described in Example I, paragraph B.

Here also the treated goods proved to be free from Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and Escherichia coli 96. The samples are surrounded by a zone on the agar which is clearly free from bacteria.

The following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers were tested:

2,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 2',4,5'-trichloro-Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4-dichloro-2-hydroxydipheny1 ether, 4-chloro-4-bromo-Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4'-iodo-Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,3',4-trichloro 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,2,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,2,4',5-tetrachloro-2-hydroxydipheny1 ether, 4,4-dichloro-3-methyl 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-bromo-4'-chloro-2-hydroxydipheny1 ether, 4-bromo Z-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-'bromo-2',4-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4-dibromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, and 4-chloro-4'-methoxy-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE VI A liquor is prepared according to Example IV. Fabric made of nylon staple fibers is treated therein and finished as described in Example III and tested according to BK- ample I, paragraph B. The treated goods prove to be free from Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and Escherichia coli 96. The samples are surrounded by a zone on thev agar which is clearly free from bacteria.

The following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers were tested:

2,4-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 2',4',5'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-'2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4'-bromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chl0ro-4'-iodo 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4-fiuoro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,3',4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,2,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-bromo-4'-chloro-2.-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4 bromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, and 4-chloro-4'-methoxy-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE VII Hand washing test 0.5% (calculated on the weight of the soap) of one of the active substances given in Table I below is incorporated into tablets of toilet soap. This soap cannot be distinguished in appearance from soap not containing active substance. When used, however, it reduces the number of bacteria on the skin, as is demonstrated by the following hand washing test: Groups of people sub mitting to the test washed their hands with soap contain ing one of the active substances given below in concentration of 0.5 (calculated on the weight of the soap) according to the following process. The people first washed their hands according to Timetable A five consecutive times with a control soap containing no activesubstance (control washing).

Timetable A Each individual person placed his hands for 15 seconds in a wash basin containing 2 liters of sterilized tap water. The hands were soaped for 15 seconds with the control soap containing no active substance, the soap was laid aside and the hands were rubbed for another 45 seconds. The hands were then thoroughly rinsed for 30 seconds in the 2 liters of sterilized tap water mentioned and then dried with a sterile hand towel. This 24 procedure was repeated 5 times using 5 different wash basins each containing 2 liters of sterilized tap water.

The number of bacteria removed from the skin and contained in the 5th rinsing water was tested by putting an adequate amount of rinsing water onto plates, adding 10 ml. of melted nutrient agar to 1 ml. thereof and then leaving the petri dishes containing this mixture for 24 hours at 37, after which the colonies of bacteria were counted (starting value).

Then, four times daily with 10 hours, i.e. in the morning, before and after the lunch hours and in the evening, each group of persons underwent a controlled hand washing with soap containing active ingredient. In each case, the procedure was as follows:

Timetable B The conditions required are 15 seconds for moistening the hands, 30 seconds for soaping, seconds for rubbing and 30 seconds for rinsing the hands in 2 liters of tap water.

After 2 days, i.e. after 10 hand washings according to Timetable B, after a pause of half a day, each person was given a soap containing no active ingredient with which the hands were washed 5 times consecutively according to Timetable A. Again the number of bacteria in the 5th rinsing water was determined, as in the previous control, by testing 1 ml. of the rinsing water for the number of bacteria (2nd control washing). On the following day, the washing with soap containing active substance was continued according to Timetable B. After another 1 days, i.e. after a further 6 washings according to Timetable B, the active ingredient soap was laid aside and, after a pause of half a day, there was a controlled washing with soap not containing active substance accord ing to Timetable A.

Again, the number of bacteria present in the 5th rinsing water was determined by the method already described (3rd control washing). The reduction in number of bacteria on the skin over a period of 5 days can be determined from the starting value and the numbers of bacteria found after the 2nd and 3rd control washings. In the tests with soaps each containing one of the following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers in the concentration of 0.5 the following values were found:

TABLE I [Active ingredients used in hand-washing test] Numbers of bacteria (percent) remaining 1,2,4'-triehlor0-2hydroxydiphenyl ether 47 EXAMPLE VIII Finger-print test The activity of toilet soaps produced according to the Example VII, paragraph 1, against bacteria was tested in the following way: Two agar plates I were prepared one of which had been inoculated with 24-hour old cultures of Staphylococcus aurcus SG 511 and the other with 24 hour old cultures of Escherichia coli 96. The same was done with two agar plates II. There was no difference in the appearance of agar plates I and II. The hands were washed by the following method: each person had 2 wash basins each containing 2 liters of tap water. Both hands were placed in basin 1 for 10 seconds and then the hands were made more or less dry by rubbing them for 30 seconds. The finger tips of the index and middle finger of the right hand were then placed for 30 seconds on the agar plate I which had been inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus SG 51. At the same time, the finger tips of the index and middle fingers of the left hand were placed for 30 seconds on the agar plate I which has been previously inoculated with Escherichia coli 96. The hands were then dipped in a first Wash basin for 10 seconds. The hands were soaped for 15 seconds with a soap containing one of the following active substances, massaged for another 45 seconds and rinsed for 15 seconds in the first basin, whereupon the hands were rinsed in a second basin for 15 seconds. The hands were shaken and rubbed for 30 seconds in order to remove as much excess liquid as possible. Then the index and midle fingers of the right hand were placed on the agar inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 agar plate II and those of the left hand were placed on agar plate II inoculated with Escherichia coli 96, for 30 seconds. The agar plates I and II containing the finger prints were left for 24 hours at 37. Exactly as many colonies of bacteria grew on agar plates I where the fingers had rested as on where they had not. At and around the places where the fingers had rested on agar plates 11 there were no colonies of bacteria if the active ingredient in the soap had a bactericidal action which remained on the skin of the finger tip through the washing process.

The following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers prevented the growth of the bacteria mentioned on the places where the fingers had rested:

4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4-bromo-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-4'-iodo-Z-hydroxydiphenuyl ether, 4-chloro-2-fiuoro-Z-dihydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,3',4'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, and 4,2',4'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE IX Cotton cambric is treated for 20 mniutes at 30 in a dry cleaning solution consisting of pure triehloroethylene which contains 2.5 mg./liter of 4,4-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (liquor ratio 1220). The cotton fabric is then passed, between filter paper, through a mangle and hung up in the air to dry.

The treated goods were tested as to their resistance to the growth of bacteria as described in Example I, paragraph B. The tests showed complete absence of Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and Escherichia coli 96. The samples of fabric were encircled by a clear bacteria-free zone on the agar.

A similarly good bactericidal activity is attained in the above dry cleaning if 1 g. of water and 5 g. of the alkali metal salts of higher fatty acids as cleaning strengthener are added per liter to the triehloroethylene and 5 mg. per liter of 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether are used.

2.5 rug/liter of 4,2',4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether can be used as active ingredient in this example with the same success as 2.5 mg/liter of 4,4-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE X 200 parts of polyamide 6 and 1 part of 4,4'-dichloro-2- hydroxydiphenyl ether are mixed in a dry state in a mixing apparatus for 10 to minutes and then the mixture is put into an injection moulding machine fitted with a conical screw which acts as ejection piston and the mixture is injected into plates of 55 x 36 mm. and 1.2 mm. thickness at 260.

Circular samples of 5 mm. diameter are cut from the polyamide plates and these are tested as to their resistance to bacteria as described in Example I, paragraph B, for textile samples. The treated goods showed complete absence of Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and Escherichia coli 92. There is a clear bacteria-free zone encircling the samples on the agar.

26 EXAMPLE XI 65 parts of polyvinyl chloride powder, 35 parts of dibutyl sebacate and 2 parts of dibutyl tin dilaurate are mixed with 0.5 part of 4,4-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, the mixture is homogenized on a set of mixing rollers for 10 minutes at 160 and then drawn into foils of 0.3 mm. thickness.

Circular samples of 20 mm. diameter are cut from the foils so produced and these are tested as to their resistance to bacteria as described in Example I, paragraph B, for textile samples.

The treated goods showed complete absence of Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and Escherichia coli 92. There is a clear bacteria-free zone encircling the samples on the agar.

EXAMPLE XII In 200 g. of viscose containing 9.0% cellulose, 0.8% of 4,2',4' trichloro 2 hydroxydiphenyl ether (calculated on the weight of the cellulose) are added from a 6% sodium hydroxide stock solution and mixed into the viscose for 20 minutes. Air is then removed from the Viscose whereupon viscose films are produced in the known way, washed, desulfurized and dried. Circular samples of 20 mm. diameter are cut from the viscose films and these are tested as to their resistance to bacteria as described in Example I, paragraph -B, for textile samples.

The treated goods showed complete absence of Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and Escherichia coli 92. There is a clear bacteria-free zone encircling the samples on the agar.

0.8% of 4 bromo 2',4' dichloro 2 hydroxydiphenyl ether can be used in this example as active ingredient with the same success.

EXAMPLE XIIA A concentration of 100 mg./liter of one of the following active ingredients (which for easier dispersion has been dissolved in ethylene glycol monomethyl ether in a ratio of 1 part of active ingredient to 20 parts of solvent) is added to a washing liquor which contains 1.5 g. of sodium soap per liter. Cotton cambric is introduced into this liquor (liquor ratio 1:20) and the bath is heated to The textile is treated for 20 minutes at this temperature, then rinsed twice at 40 for 3 minutes each time with permutite water (liquor ratio 1:20), centrifuged, dried and ironed.

The treated goods were tested as to their resistance to the growth of bacteria as described in Example I, paragraph B, and showed complete absence of Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and Escherichia coli 96. There was a clear bacteria-free zone around the samples on the agar.

The following halogen-o-hydroxydiphenyl ethers and halogen-acyloxy-diphenyl ethers were tested:

4-chloro-4'-acetyl-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4-dichloro-2-cyano-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4-dichloro-2'-amino-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dichloro-2-acetoxy-diphenyl ether, 4,4-dichloro-2-chloroacetoxy-diphenyl ether, 4,4'-dichloro-2-methylcar-bamyloxy=diphenyl ether, 4,4-dichloro-2-benzoyloxy-diphenyl ether, 4,4'-dichloro-2- 4-chlorobenzoyloxy) -diphenyl ether, 4,4-dichloro-2-methylsulfonyloxy-diphenyl ether, and 4,4'-dichloro-2-(chlormethylsulfonyloxy)-diphenyl ether.

EXAMPLE XIII The broadening of the range of antibacterial action and synergistic effects of mixtures of 4,2,4-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether with two halogenated salicylic acid anilides, is shown by the test described below:

The following active substances were tested in the same manner as described further below:

(I) 4,2,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (II) 3,5-dibromosalicylic acid 4'-bromo-anilide (III) S-bromo-salicylic acid 4-bromo-anilide (I/II) mixture of (I) and (II) in weight ratio of 1:1 (I/III) mixture of (I) and (III) in Weight ratio of 1:1

-(I/II/III) mixture of (I), (II) and (III) in a weight ratio of 2:1:1.

In the following tables the minimum concentration of active substance necessary to obtain growth inhibition as described below is shown for a variety of bacteria:

TABLE III Theoretical mean value Bacterium (I) (II) (I/II) of (I/II) Bacillus subtilis 3 3 0.3 3 Pseudomonas fluoresceas 300 300 100 300 Sarcina lutea l 1 1 5. 5 Streptococcus faecalis 0.3 0.3 5. Staphylococcus aureus 0. 03 1 0. l 0. 5 Salmonella pulloru'm 100 10 55 TABLE III Theoretical mean value Bacterium (I) (II) (I/III) of (I/III) Bacillus subtilr's 3 O. 1 0. 1 1. 55 Sarcina lutea. 10 1 1 5. 5 Strepococcus faecal l0 0. 3 I 5.15 Salmonella pullorum 10 300 10 155 Proteus uulgaris l0 300 10 155 Proteus mirabilis 10 300 10 155 TABLE IV Theoretical (I/II/ mean value Bacterium (I) (II) (III) III) (I/II/III) Bacillus subtills 3 3 0.1 o. s 2. s Sarcina lutea 1 1 1 5. 5 Pseudomortas fluoresceus 300 300 100 300 Streptococcus faecalis 0. 3 0.3 0.3 5.15 Salmonella pullorum. 100 300 10 105 Proteus vulgar 2's 10 300 10 815 Proteus OX 19 I0 300 10 82. 5 Proteus mirabilis 10 30 300 10 87. 5

Test method A nutrient medium is prepared from 10 g. of Bacto Peptene (Difco) 3 g. of sodium chloride 2 g. of disodium phosphate (12 mols of water of crystallization) 10 g. of Liebigs beef extract 20 g. of Bacto agar (Difco), and

distilled water to make up the total volume to 1000 milliliters (ml.).

The pH of the medium is adjusted to 7.4.

A series of aqueous test solutions of the above-listed test substances I, II, III, I/II, I/III and I/II/III, respectively, are prepared in concentrations sufilcient to obtain the final concentrations shown in the preceding tables of Example XIII.

Petri dishes are charged each with 18 ml. of the abovedescribed nutrient medium, and to each of them there is added a portion of 2 ml. of one of the aqueous solutions containing, respectively, one of the test compounds in the suitable concentrations.

The nutrient media in the Petri dishes thus charged con tain of the concentrations of the first-prepared aqueous solutions. After solidification, the nutrient media are then charged, respectively, with bacterial suspensions having a density of McFarland 10, of one of the bacterial strains shown in the first column of the preceding tables.

The inoculated agar samples are incubated for 24 hours at 37 C. The aforesaid minimum growth-inhibiting concentrations are given in ppm. (one ppm. corresponds to l microgram of active ingredient per liter of aqueous test suspension).

The antimicrobial compositions according to the invention contain at least one compound of the Formulas IA to V inclusive as active ingredient together with the usual pharmaceutical carriers. The type of carriers depends to a great extent on the intended use. Ointments, powders and tinctures are used in particular for external application, for example for the disinfection of healthy skin and also for the disinfection of wounds and for the treatment of dermatoses and affections of the mucous membranes which are caused by bacteria or fungi. The ointment bases can be anhydrous, e.g. they can consist of mixtures of wool fat and soft paraffin, or they can consist of aqueous emulsions in which the active substance is suspended. Suitable carriers for powders are, e.g. starches, such as rice starch, the bulk weight of which if desired, can be made lighter, e.g. by the addition of highly dispersed silicic acid or heavier by the addition of talcum. Tinctures contain at least one active ingredient of the Formulas IA to V in aqueous ethanol in particular 45-75% ethanol, to which, if desired, 1020% glycerin can be added. Solutions prepared from the usual solubility promoters such as, e.g. polyethylene glycol, and also optionally, from emulsifying agents, are used in particular for the disinfection of healthy skin. The content of active ingredient in the above forms for external application is preferably between 0.1 and 5%.

Gargles or concentrates for the preparation thereof and also tablets for slow dissolution in the mouth are suitable for the disinfection of the mouth and throat. The former are prepared in particular from alcoholic solutions containing about 1-5% of active substance to which glycerin and/or fiavourings can be added. Lozenges, i.e. solid dosage units, have a relatively high content of sugar or similar substances and a relatively low content of active substance of about 02-20%, as well as the usual additives such as binding agents and flavourings.

Tablets, drage'es (sugar coated tablets) and capsules are used in particular for intestinal disinfection and for the oral treatment of infections of the urinal tract. These preferably contain between 10% and of an active substance of the general Formula I to enable the administration of daily doses of between 0.1 and 2.5 g. to adults or of suitably reduced doses to children to be made. Tablets and drage cores are produced by combining the active substances of the general Formula I with solid, pulverulent carriers such as lactose, saccharose, sorbitol, maize starch, potato starch or amylopectin, cellulose derivatives or gelatines, preferably with the addition of lubricants such as magnesium or calcium stearate or polyethylene glycols of suitable molecular weight.

Drage cores are then coated, for example, with concentrated sugar solutions which can also contain, e.g. gum arabic, talcum and/ or titanium tioxide, or they are coated with a lacquer dissolved in volatile organic solvents or mixture of solvents. Dyestuffs can be added to these coatings, e.g. to differentiate between varying dosages. Soft gelatine capsules and other closed capsules consist, for example, of a mixture of gelatines and glycerine and contain, e.g. mixtures of an active ingredient of the general Formula I with polyethylene glycol. Hard gelatine capsules contain, for example, granulates of an active substance with solid pulverulent carriers such as, e.g. lactose, saccharose, sorbitol, mannitol; starches such as potato starch, maize starch or amylopectin, cellulose derivatives or gelatin, as well as magnesium stearate or stearic acid.

In all forms for administration, compounds of the aforesaid formulas can be present as sole active ingredient or they can also be combined with other known antimicrobial, in particular antibacterial and/or antimycotic, active substances, for example to broaden the range of applica- 29 tion. Also, carriers which themselves have favourable pharmacological properties may be used such as, e.g. sulfur as a powder base or zinc stearate as a component of ointment bases.

The following examples give a number of typical forms of application but the invention also embraces the choice of difierent amounts of components as well as other usual carriers and additives. 2-hydroxy-4,4-dichlorodiphenyl ether (a), 2-hydroxy-4,2',4-trichlorodiphenyl ether ((3), or 2-acetoxy-4,4'-dichloro-diphenyl ether (7) are used as active ingredients in Examples XIV to XXIV, depending on the Greek letter given after each of these examples.

EXAMPLE XIV (a) Hand disinfectant: A solution of 3.00 g. of active substance and 3.00 g. of sodium sulforicinoleate in 47.00 g. of polyethylene glycol 400 is prepared and also 7.00 g. of sodium dodecyl sulfate are dissolved in 39.85 g. of water. The two solutions are mixed and 0.15 g. of perfume are added to the mixture. The liquid obtained is dropped or sprayed onto the hands and rubbed in.

EXAMPLE xv (p) Wound dusting powder: 3.00 g. of active substance, 5.0 g. of zinc oxide and 41.9 g. of rice starch are thoroughly mixed with 50.0 g. of talcum which has been impregnated with 0.1 g. of perfume. The mixture is passed through a suitable sieve and again well mixed.

EXAMPLE XVI (a) Antiseptic ointment: 3.0 g. of active ingredient are rubbed with 3.0 g. of paraffin oil, the mixture is melted at a moderate temperature and 10.0 g. of wool fat and 84.0 g. of white soft paraflin are added. The mixture is allowed to cool while stirring.

EXAMPLE XVII (a) Losenges for the disinfection of the mouth and throat: 50.0 g. of active substance are carefully mixed with 400.0 g. of castor sugar and the mixture is evenly wetted out with a granulating solution of 8.0 g. of gelatine and 2.0 g. of glycerin in about 120 g. of water. The mass is granulated through a suitable sieve and dried. A sieve mixture of 3.0 g. of highly dispersed silicic acid, 4.0 g. of magnesium stearate, 0.7 g. of flavouring and 42.3 g. of talcum is added to the dry granulate, thoroughly mixed in and the mixture is pressed into 1000 tablets.

EXAMPLE XVIII (6) Gargle concentrate: 5.0 g. of active substance are dissolved in 60.0 g. of 96% ethanol, 15.0 g. of glycerin and 0.3 g. of fiavouring are added and the solution is made up to 100.0 g. with 19.7 g. of distilled water. For gargling, -20 drops of this concentrate are used in water.

EXAMPLE XIX (oz) Tablets for the disinfection of intestines and urinal tract: To prepare 1000 tablets each containing 150 mg. of active substance, first 150.0 g. of active substance are thoroughly mixed with 60.0 g. of maize starch and 35.0 g. of lactose and the mixture is evenly wetted out with a granulating solution prepared from 5 .0 g. of gelatine and 3.0 g. of glycerin in about 70 g. of Water. The mass is granulated through a suitable sieve and dried. The granulate is thoroughly mixed with a sieved mixture of 15.0 g. of talcum, 10.0 g. of dried maize starch and 2.0 g. of magnesium stearate and the mixture is pressed into 1000 tablets.

EXAMPLE XX ('7) Drages for the disinfection of the intestines and urinal tract: To prepare 1000 drage cores, first 150.0 g. of active substance are thoroughly mixed with 60.0 g. of maize starch and 34.0 g. of lactose. This mixture is mixed with a binding agent consisting of.6.0 g. of starch, 3.0 g.

of glycerin and about 54 g. of distilled water and the mass obtained is granulated through a suitable sieve and dried. The granulate is thoroughly mixed with a sieved mixture of 15.0 g. of talcum, 10.0 g. of maize starch and 2.0 g. magnesium stearate and the mixture is pressed into 1000 drage cores each weighing 280 mg.

Coating is carried out in the coating pan with a mixture consisting of: 2.000 g. of shellac, 7.500 g. of gum arabic, 0.180 g. of dyestutf, 2.000 g. of silicic acid, 35.00 g. of talcum and 58.320 g. of sugar.

1000 drages are obtained each weighing 385 mg. and containing 150 mg. of active substance.

EXAMPLE XXI To a detergent composition liquifiable at high temperatures and composed of 40 g. of sodium soap based on lauric, myristic and palmitic acid,

30 g. of sodium tripolyphosphate,

5 g. of tetrasodium pyrophosphate,

4 g. of sodium silicate,

3 g. of magnesium silicate,

0.5 g ziof tetrasodium salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic aci 5 g. of sodium carbonate,

5.5 g. of sodium sulfate and 70 g. of water,

there are added at to 0.2 g. of l-(3-chlorophenyl)-3-(4"-chlorophenyl)- pyrazoline, and 1.0 g. of 4,2,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenylether.

The components are thoroughly mixed and then dried in the spray tower. A spreadable disinfectant detergent is obtained.

When g. of undyed mixed polyamide cotton fabric are washed at a bath ratio of 1:20 for 20 minutes in a 60 Warm wash liquor containing 16 g. of the above-described detergent and are then rinsed and dried, the washed mixed fabric has a brillant white appearance in daylight and is protected against the growth of bacteria thereon for a considerable period of time.

EXAMPLE XXII 200 g. of soap powder, consisting of 88.0% mixture of the sodium salt of tallow fatty acid and sodium salt of coconut oil fatty acid (weight ratio 70:30),

2.0% almond oil,

1.0% perfume,

0.2% titanium dioxide,

0.5% glycerol,

0.05% tetrasodium salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic aci 0.05% optical brightener (as in Example XXI),

2.0% 4,2',4'-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether, and

6.2% water,

together with 400 ml. of water are worked at 80 into a homogenous mass and then dried at 70 to 80 in vacuo. A brightened disinfectant soap material is obtained which can be formed into pieces or ground into a powder.

EXAMPLE XXIII 99.2 g. of a heavy-duty non-soap detergent of the Snydet type consisting of 15.2 g. of dodecyl benzene sulfonate,

3.8 g. of sodium salt of lauryl alcohol sulfonic acid ester, 25.6 g. of sodium tripolyphosphate,

7.6 g. of tetrasodium pyrophosphate,

4.0 g. of sodium silicate,

1.9 g. of magnesium silicate,

31 5.0 g. of sodium carbonate, 1.4 g. of carboxymethylcellulose, 0.3 g. of tetrasodium salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, and 34.4 g. of sodium sulfate are mixed with 100' g. of water to form a homogeneous slurry. To this mixture are added 0.1 g. of 4,4-bis[4,6- diphenylamino 1",3",5"-triazinyl-(2)-amino]-stilbene- 2,2'-disulfonic acid and 0.05 g. of 1-(3'-fluorophenyl)- 3-(4"-chlorophenyl)-pyrazoline, as well as l g. of 4,2',4'- trichloro-Z-hydroxy-diphenylether, the whole is mixed well and then dried in the spray tower.

100 g. of laundry consisting of 30' g. of undyed nylon fabric and 70 g. of undyed cotton fabric are washed for minutes at 85 in a wash liquor containing 8 g. of the above-described brightening detergent and having a bath ratio of 1:10. Then the goods are rinsed and dried. This washing process renders both types of fabric resistant to the growth of bacteria for a considerable length of time.

EXAMPLE XXIV A detergent mixture consisting of 6.0 parts of tallow soap, 6.0 part of dodecyl benzene sulfonate, 6.0 parts of the condensation product of nonylphenol and ethylene oxide (molar ratio 128.5), 40.0 parts of sodium tripolyphosphate,

0.2 part of tetrasodium salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid,

8.0 parts of sodium silicate,

2.0 parts of magnesium silicate,

15.0 parts of sodium perborate (NaBO -4H O),

2.0 parts of carboxymethyl cellulose 0.2 part of disodiurn 4,4-bis[4"-(/3-methoxyethylamino) 6"-phenylamino l,3,5" triazinyl-(2")-amino]sti1- bene-2,2'-disulfonate, and

1.0 part of 4,2,4-trichloro-2-hydroxy-dipheny1 ether,

is produced in the following manner:

The optical brightener is intimately mixed with normal aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (10 ml. per gram of brightener) and when the brightener is thoroughly dispersed, about 200 to 300 ml. of water (per gram of brightener) are added.

The other ingredients of the detergent mixture are mixed with each other separately and intimately using a suflicient amount of water to obtain a creamy paste, the latter is dried at 60 and granulated.

The detergent granules are then added to the slurry of brightener and the mixture is repeatedly and thoroughly stirred until a smooth, creamy mix is obtained. The resulting slurry is then spread into a uniform layer on a flat surface and dried in an oven at 85 for 16 hours. The resulting cake is allowed to cool to room temperature, left standing for at least 30 minutes and then crushed and placed in a dessicator. The dried chunks of detergent mixture are then forced through a 20 mesh screen and, if desired, the resulting powder is transferred to 60 mesh screen to remove the fine portion.

A detergent mixture is obtained which brightens textile materials washed therewith and, at the same time, renders them resistant to bacterial growth for a considerable length of time.

EXAMPLE XXV 10 parts of cotton cretonne are washed for 20 minutes with stirring in 200 parts of an aqueous wash liquor containing 1.5 g. of Marseille soap per liter and having a temperature of 65.

The cotton fabric is then taken out of the wash liquor and rinsed twice, each time in 200' parts of water of 40 for 3 minutes; the fabric is then introduced into 200 parts of an aqueous liquor having a temperature of 40 and containing 0.4 part of the bacteriostatic softenins agent,

32 produced as described below, and 0. 01 part of 4,2',4'- trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether and is lightly stirred therein for 10 minutes. Thereupon, the cotton cretonne is removed from the aqueous liquor and air-dried. The fabric then shows a soft handle, and, in addition, inhibits the growth of bacteria thereon.

Production of bacteriostatic softener 86.7 g. of commercially available di-(hydrogenated tallow)-dimethyl-ammoniumchloride fabric softener consisting of a mixture of 18 parts of di-hexadecyl-dimethyl-ammoniumchloride, 56.25 parts of di-octadecyl-dimethyl-ammoniumchloride, 0.75 part of di-octadecenyl-dimethyl-ammoniumchloride, 18 parts of isopropanol,

6.5 parts of water and 0.5 part of sodium chloride are heated with stirring at a temperature of 4550, 3.7 g. of 4,2',4-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether are added and the whole is stirred for 30 minutes. The temperature is then raised to -60 and warm water is added to make up a total weight of 1000 g.

A stronger bacteriostatic effect is obtained when using 7.5 g. in lieu of 3.7 g. of the above bacteriostat in the above composition.

EXAMPLE XXVI 10 parts of cotton cretonne are washed for 20 minutes with stirring in 200 parts of an aqueous wash liquor containing 1.5 g. of Marseille soap per liter and having a temperature of The cotton fabric is then taken out of the wash liquor and rinsed twice, each time in 200 parts of water of 40 for 3 minutes; the fabric is then introduced into 200 parts of an aqueous liquor having a temperature of 25 and containing 0.4 part of the bacteriostatic rinsing bath, produced as described below, and is lightly stirred therein for 10 minutes. Thereupon, the cotton cretonne is removed from the aqueous liquor, hydroextracted and air-dried. The fabric then inhibits the growth of bacteria thereon.

Production of bacteriostatic rinsing bath To the last mentioned rinsing bath there are added, per liter thereof, 2 ml. of %-acetic acid and 0.25 ml. of a mixture consisting of 20 parts of 4,2,4-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenylether, 10 parts of sodium hydroxide,

7 parts of sulfonated ricinoleic acid, and

63 parts of permutite-softened water.

EXAMPLE XXVII An aerosol dispenser is filled with an aqueous "formulation consisting of 2 parts of the compound of the formula I OIL-C O-O and 18 parts of isopropanol, and 80 parts of a mixture of Freon 11 and Freon 12 in a weight ratio of 1:2, as propellant gas.

Into a room of about 20 cubic meter volume the air therein having a temperature of about 20 there are placed the following bacterial carriers:

(a) Ceramic tiles of 2 cm. by 2 cm. surface part of the tiles having been previously dipped into a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus and another part into a suspension of Escherichia coli,

(b) Circular patches of cotton having a diameter of 5 cm. and having been dipped into the aforesaid two bacterial suspensions,

(c) Sterile Petri dishes each containing 15 ml. of nutrient agar (Difco, see Difco Manual 9th ed.. 1.964.

33 p. 32), 0.03% of polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate (Tween 80) and 0.005% of potassium tellurite,

(d) Petri dishes each containing 15 ml. of nutrient according to MacConkey (Difco Manual, ibidem, p. 131), the Petri dishes being placed open on the floor of the room.

The room is then sprayed three times successively with 8 ml. of the above aerosol formulation.

In order to test the bacteriostatic effectiveness of the said formulation, Petri dishes are closed and removed from the room after 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes, respectively, and incubated at 37 C. for 48 hours.

Ceramic tiles removed from the room after 30, 60 and 120 minutes, respectively, are immersed each into 20 ml. of physiological sodium chloride solution, to which 0.03% calculated on the weight of the solution of Tween 80, has been added as a blocking agent for the bacteriostatically active substance. From the resulting well mixed solution, 1 ml. is used for inoculation of 20' ml. of sterile nutrient agar and 10 ml. of MacConkey agar, and the solidified dishes are then incubated at 37 C. for 48 hours,

The textile patches are each placed on sterile nutrient agar and sterile MacConkey agar and incubated at 37 C. for 48 hours.

These tests reveal a complete removal of germs from the air in the sprayed room after 30 minutes, and show complete inhibition of bacterial growth on the ceramic tiles after 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the location of the tiles in the room, and complete inhibition of bacterial growth on the textile patches after 60 to 120 minutes, depending on their location in the said room.

EXAMPLE XXVIII A hard surface cleaner is prepared by mixing intimately with each other 2 parts of 4,2',4-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether, 4 parts of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate,

8 parts of calcined sodium carbonate,

3 parts of sodium silicate (water glass),

parts of sodium tripolyphosphate, and

78 parts of diatomaceous earth.

Ceramic surfaces, varnished table surfaces, metal surfaces, e.g. of copper or brass, and the like can be cleaned, e.g. by rubbing the hard surface cleaner on such surfaces with a soft cloth. Not only are the thus cleaned surfaces germ-free but also the same cloth can be used successively on different surfaces without danger of thereby transferring germs from a preceding to a subsequently treated surface.

EXAMPLE XXIX The following bacteriostatic mixtures are prepared:

of 4,2,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl These bacteriostatic mixtures show synergistic properties in that complete inhibition of growth of such bacteria as Bacillus subtilis, Sarcino: lutea, Pseudom onas fluorescens, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus OX 19, Proteus mirabilis, Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, etc. is achieved With amounts of such mixtures which are not greater or even smaller than those required for sodium chloride solution intraperitoneally. The urine is then collected for 2 hours in a metabolic cage. The substance to be tested is then administered per 0s and the urine is again collected over a period of 4 hours. The test is repeated on the following day with the same mice. To determine the bacteriostatic activity of the urine, nutrient agar is mixed with a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli and the mixture is poured into plates. After it has solidified, holes are made in the agar and each is filled with 0.1 ml. of urine. The plates are stored for 24 hours at 37 C. whereupon the diameter of the zones in which growth is inhibited is measured. After administration of 10 mg. per kg. bodyweight of 2-hydroxy- 4,4-dichlorodiphenyl ether or 2-hydroxy-4,2',4'-trichlorodiphenyl ether per os, diameters of inhibited zones of 22-23 mm. could be determined on plates containing Staphylococcus aureus, and on plates containing Escherichia coil 86 they Were 19-26 mm.

(b) Activity against experimental cystopyelitis in the rat: The tests were made by the method described by D. I. N. Hossack, Brit. J. 'Pharmacol. 19, 306-312 (1962) entitled Proteus Vulgaris Urinary Tract Infections in Rats; Treatment With Nitrofuran Derivatives. In this test a clear therapeutical action could be determined. For example, with a daily dosage of mg. of 2-hydroxy- 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ether per kg. bodyweight per 05, all 5 treated animals survived the duration of the test, i.e. 30 days, whereas of 9 control animals, only two survived.

As has already been mentioned, the active ingredients usable according to the invention are only slightly toxic; the DL 50 on oral administration to the mouse is, in general near to or over 5 g. per kg. bodyweight.

Similar tests to those carried out under (a) above also revealed an unexpected, desirable prolongation of the antibacterial activity of acyl derivatives of Formula I compared with that of corresponding compounds falling under Formula I in which Z is hydrogen.

These tests were carried out on the first day exactly as described under (a) above, while, on the second day, urine Was collected for four hours prior to administration of the test substance as well as for four hours after such administration. I

A significant difference was found especially in the residual eifectivity of 4,4-dichloro-2-acetoxy-diphenyl ether against Escherichia coli, while 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether showed no such prolonged activity.

The results obtained with these two compounds on Escherichia coil inoculated on agar and incubated in the same manner as described above under Test (a) are given in the table below:

When the new active ingredients of Formulas IV and V are to be used for controlling phytopathogenic fungi, they are made up, optionally in the form of their salts, into fungicides which are suitable for the protection of plants and parts thereof such as blossom, seeds, fruit, roots, stalks and foliage, from attack by fungi.

The new fungicides of Formula I in the form of socalled seed dressings give seeds treated therewith a good protection, particularly from attack by Alternaria twins and Botrytis cinerea.

The following examples serve to illustrate this aspect of the invention. Where not expressly mentioned otherwise, parts and percentages are given by Weight; the temperatures are given in degrees Centigrade.

Spore germination test The growth-inhibiting activity of a preferred active ingredient falling under Formula I on fungi was determined by a spore germination test with spores of Alternaria tenuis and spores of Botlytis cinerea, and compared with that of a known isomeric compound, 2',4-dichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenylether.

1 cm. of a 0.1% and a 0.0l%-acetone solution respectively, of each active ingredient is placed on glass slides (26 X 76 mm.) under the same conditions. The solvent is evaporated off and a uniform coating of active ingredient is obtained on the glass slides. The slides are inoculated with fungi spores and are then kept in Petri dishes at room temperature in an atmosphere which is almost saturated with steam. After 2-3 and 4-6 days, the germinated spores are counted.

The concentrations of active ingredient are given in the following table which inhibit at least 90% germina tion.

1+, in the following table shows an at least 90% inhibition of germination effected by the residue of l ccm. of a 1% acetone solution of active ingredient;

HTi shows an at least 90% inhibition of germination attained by the. residue of 1 ccm. of a 0.1% acetone solution of the active ingredient, but practically no inhibition of germination when applying 1 ccm. of 0.01% acetone solution;

f+,++ shows the same effect attained by the residue of 1 ccm. of 0.1% acetone solution, and about 30-50% inhibition when applying 1 ccm. of 0.01% acetone solution.

TABLE VI Alternar a. Botryt s Active ingredient tenu s c mma 4,4-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenylether. 2,4-d1ehl0ro-2-hydroxydiphenylether 09 Solid forms: dusts, sprinkling agents, granulates (coated granules, impregnated granules, homogeneous granules) Water dispersible concentrates of active substances: wettable powders, pastes, emulsions, solutions, and

Liquids forms: Forms for the production of aerosols, fogs and fumigants.

To produce the solid forms for use (dusts and sprinkling agents, granulates), the active substances are brought on to solid carriers such as talcum, kaolin, bole,

loess, chalk, limestone, ground limestone, ataclay, dolomite, diatomaceous earth, precipitated silicic acid, alkaline earth silicates, sodium and potassium aluminium silicates (feldspar and mica), calcium and magnesium sulphates, milled plastics, fertilisers such as ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphates, ammonium nitrates, urea etc., and also ground nutshells, cellulose powder, residues of plant extractions, active charcoal etc. These carriers can be used alone or admixed with each other.

The particle size of the carriers is, for dusts up to about IOU/.0, for sprinkling agents from about -0.2 mm. and for granulates from 0.2 mm.-1 mm. (and coarser).

As a general rule, the concentrations of active substances in the solid preparations is from 05-80%.

To these mixtures can also be added additives which stabilise the active substance and/or non-ionic, anionic and cationic surface active substances which, for example, improve the adhesion of the active substances on parts of plants (glues, adhesives) and/or attain better wettability (wetting agents) and dispersibility of the active substances. Examples of such surface active substances are as follows: olein mixed with hydrate of lime, cellulose derivatives suitable for the preparation of aqueous solutions of a medium degree of viscosity (methyl celluloses, carboxymethyl celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses), galactomaman (guar gum), their anionic and cationic derivatives, polyethylene glycol ethers of monoand di-alkyl phenols having 5-15 ethylene oxide radicals per molecule and 8-9 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical (the commercial products known under the names Triton, Igepal, Tergitol etc.), condensation products of ethylene oxide/ propylene oxide (medium molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene part: 1750; e.g. the commercial products known by the name Pluronics), sulphite waste liquor, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts thereof, mineral oils and polyethylene glycol ethers (Carbowax), fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ethers (having 5-20 ethylene oxide radicals per molecule and 8-18 carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol moiety; e.g. the commercial products known by the trade name of Genapol), also dextrins, caseins, their calcium salts, proteins, polyvinyl pyrrolidones, polyvinyl alcohols (e.g. the commercial product known as Moviol"), condensation products of urea-formaldehyde and also latex products, etc.

In some cases it is necessary to add to these forms for application, plant, animal and mineral oils as penetrating agents, i.e. agents which help and improve the penetration of the active substance into the plants or parts thereof.

The concentrates of active substance which can be dis persed in water: Wettable powders, pastes and emulsion concentrates, are agents which can be diluted with water to any concentration desired for application to plants and parts thereof. They consist of active substance, carrier, additives which stabilise the active substance, surface ac; tive substances, protective colloids and anti-foam agents and, optionally, solvents. The concentration of active substance in these agents is 5-80% Wettable powders and pastes are obtained by mixing and milling the active substances with surface active substances and pulverulent carriers in suitable mixers and milling machines until homogeneity is attained. Carriers are, for example, those mentioned in the paragraph dealing with solid forms for application. In some cases it is advantageous to use mixtures of carriers. By surface active substances, glues or adhesives, wetting and dispersing agents and protective colloids are to be understood. Of the glues and adhesives already mentioned, because of their properties a number thereof can be used as socalled auxiliary dispersing agents. Other dispersing agents and wetting agents which can be used are: condensation products of naphthalene and derivatives thereof with phenol and formaldehyde (the commercial products known as Irgatan), also aluminium salts of lignin sulphonic acids, further alkylaryl sulphonates, alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of dibutyl naphthalene sulphonic acid, fatty alcohol sulphates such as water soluble salts of sulphated hexadecanols, heptadecinols, octadecanols, the sodium salt of sulphated hexadecyl glycol ethers (the commercial products known as 'Eriopon), the sodium salt of oleyl methyl tauride (the commercial products known as Arkopon), ditertiary acetylene glycols (the commercial products known as Surfynol), di alkyldilauryl ammonium chloride (the commercial product known as Aliquat), and fatty acid alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts.

Examples of anti-foam agents are: silicones, Antifoam A etc.

The active substances are so mixed, milled, sieved and strained with the additive mentioned above that the solid particle size in wettable powders and in pastes is not more than 2040,u. and 3a respectively. To produce emulsion concentrates and pastes, liquid dispersing agents such as those given in the previous paragraphs, organic solvents and water are used. Examples of solvents are as follows: alcohols, benzene, toluene, xylenes, dimethyl sulphoxide, dimethyl formamide and mineral oil fractions boiling between 120 and 350. The solvents must be almost without smell not phytotoxic, inert to the active substances and not easily inflammable.

The forms for application which can be dispersed in water can also contain other additives to increase the stability to light, penetrating agents, anti-foam agents and also synergists.

The wettable powders, pastes and emulsion concentrates are diluted with water to the practical concentrations desired which are between 0.01 and 2%, calculated on the active substance. In the composition and concentration for use described, these application forms have good suspendibility which can be further improved, e.g. by the addition of synthetic voluminous silicic acid. The emulsifiable property of the emulsion concentrates is also very good.

In addition, the agents according to the invention can be in the form of solutions or sprays. For this purpose an active substance of general Formula I can be dissolved insuitable organic solvents, mixtures of solvents or in water. Higher aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated derivatives thereof, alkyl naphthalenes alone or mixed with each other or with water can be used as organic solvents. The solutions contain the active substance in a concentration from 1 to 20%. They are used in the form of spray or mist with suitable spraying or mist blowing equipment.

Aerosols are produced from solutions of the active substances by the addition of propellants; aerosols are particularly suitable for use in the house and garden. Both the solutions and the aerosols can contain vegetable, animal and mineral oils to increase the adhesion and penetration and also additives to improve the resistance to rain and li ht.

Also, the active substances of general Formula I can be worked up with a combustible substance, e.g. sawdust or paper and a source of oxygen such as potassium chlo-- rate and potassium nitrate, to form a fumigant or fumigant paper.

The application forms described can be mixed very well with other biocidally active compounds or agents containing such compounds. Thus, to broaden the range of action, other fungicides, also insecticides, bactericides, fungistatics, bacteriostatics or nematicides can be present together with the active substances of general Formula I. The active substances of general Formula I can also be used with fertilisers, plant hormones etc.

The following examples describe the production of various ready-for-use forms for application containing the active substances of general Formula I. Parts are given therein as parts by weight.

38 DUST Components (a) 10 parts of 4,4-dichloro-Z-hydroxy-diphenylether 5 parts of highly dispersed silicic acid parts of talcum. (b) 2 parts of S-tetradecylamino-azacycloheptane-Z-one hydrochloride 1 part of highly dispersed silicic acid 97 parts of talcum.

The active substances are intimately mixed and milled with the carriers. With components (a) a 10% and with components (b) a 2% dust is obtained which can be used for the treatment of seed beds or the dusting of plants.

Dressing To produce a 10% pulverulent dressing, the following components are used:

(a) 10 parts of 4,4-dichloro-Z-hydrOXy-diphenylether 5 parts of kieselguhr 1 part of liquid paraflin 84 parts of talcum.

To produce a 60% pulverulent dressing, the following components are used:

(b) 60 parts of 4,2',4-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenylether 15 parts of kieselguhr 1 part of liquid parafiin 24 parts of talcum.

The active ingredient is intimately mixed in a mixer, using the parafi'in as distributing agent, with the carriers and the whole is milled. The pulverulent dressings obtained serve for the treatment of seeds of all types.

WETTABLE POWDER Components The active ingredients are mixed with the carriers and distributing agents given and finely milled. 50% wettable powders are obtained the Wettability and suspendability of which are excellent.

On diluting these wettable powders with water, suspensions are produced which are suitable for the treatment of fruit trees.

GRANULATE Components (a) 4 parts of one of the 50% wettable powders given above under (a) or (b) 3.5 parts of Carbowax 92 parts of ground limestone 0.5 part of highly dispersed silicic acid 2 parts of 4,2',4'-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenylether 2 parts of Carbowax 95.5 parts of ground limestone 0.5 part of highly dispersed silicic acid.

The ground limestone is evenly impregnated with the Carbowax. This is then mixed with the mixture consisting of active ingredient or the wettable powder and the highly dispersed silicic acid.

These granulates are excellently suitable for the disinfection of seed beds.

PASTES Components 50 parts of 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenylether 14 parts of nonylphenol/ethylene oxide condensation product (having 810 ethylene oxide groups per molecule) 3.5 parts of spindle oil 0.5 part of soap power, and

32 parts of water.

The active substance is intimately mixed and milled with the additives in a mixer. A 50% paste is obtained which, before use as fungicide, can be diluted with water to any concentration desired.

EMULSION CONCENTRATE Components 10 parts of 4,2,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenylether 55 parts of xylene 32 parts of dimethyl formamide 3 parts of emulsifying mixture: alkylaryl polyethylene glycol/alkylaryl sulphonate/ potassium salt.

The active substance is dissolved in the mixture of xylene and dimethyl formamide. This solution is then added to the emulsifying mixture. A 10 emulsifiable solution is obtained which can be diluted with water to form emulsions of any concentration desired.

We claim:

1. A process for combatting bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi which comprises applying to said bacteria or fungi an inhibitory amount of a compound of the formula Hal wherein Hal is a halogen atom X is chlorine or bromine X is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or cyano X is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and

p is 1 or 2.

2. A process according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of the formula wherein X is hydrogen or chlorine X is chlorine or bromine, and X is chlorine or bromine.

3. A process as defined in claim 1, wherein said compound is 4,4-dichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether.

4. A process as defined in claim 1, wherein said compound is 4-,2,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether.

5. A process for combatting pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal system and the urinal tract of warm-blooded animals, which comprises orally administering to a warmblooded animal suffering from an attack of pathogenic bacteria in one of said organs a bacterially growth-inhibiting amount of a compound of the formula Hal O wherein Hal is a halogen atom X is chlorine or bromine X is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or cyano X is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and

p is 1 or 2.

6. A process according to claim 5, wherein said compound is of the formula wherein X is hydrogen or chlorine X is chlorine or bromine, and X is chlorine or bromine.

7. A process as defined in claim 5, wherein said compound is 4,4-dichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether.

8. A process as defined in claim 5, wherein said compound is 4,2,4-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether.

9. A process for combatting larvae of Attagenus and Anthrenus beetles which comprises applying to said larvae an inhibitory amount of a compound of the formula I l X HO wherein X is hydrogen or chlorine X is chlorine or bromine, and X is chlorine or bromine.

10. A composition for combatting bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi comprising an inert carrier and an in hibitory amount of a compound of the formula Hal 0 )P no wherein Hal is a halogen atom X is chlorine or bromine X is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or cyano X is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and

p is 1 or 2. 

